No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The WNBA trade deadline has come and gone, and while the league didn’t see a flood of moves, one blockbuster trade changed the conversation. Zena and Sabreena break down the Phoenix Mercury’s acquisition of Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks and discuss what this move means for Phoenix’s playoff hopes and the race for the postseason.

Before diving into the trade deadline fallout, the duo opens the show with the ongoing controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender girls in youth sports, which sparked rallies and counter-rallies WNBA games. Sabreena breaks down what happened at those rallies, the conversations happening around the league, and Cheryl Reeve’s call for leadership, accountability, and inclusivity within the WNBA.

To close out the episode, we look ahead to the future of All-Star Weekend and discuss which cities could be strong contenders to host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game.

REFERENCES:

Cheryl Reeve: WNBA must be ‘safe space for everyone,’ regardless of viewpoint by Devon Henderson

WNBA power rankings: Olivia Miles has Minnesota Lynx soaring by Sabreena Merchant

Dallas Wings to play home games at American Airlines Center in 2027 by Sabreena Merchant

Connecticut Sun trade Aneesah Morrow to Toronto Tempo by Annie Coastabile
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Sabreena and Annie share their live reactions to Kelsey Plum's trade to the Phoenix Mercury and what it means for both franchise.

REFERENCES:

Los Angeles Sparks deal Kelsey Plum to Phoenix Mercury in a blockbuster move by Sabreena Merchant
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA trade deadline is approaching, and the rumors, speculation, and potential moves are heating up. Sabreena and Annie break down the complexities of player contracts, the challenges of making trades within the league’s salary cap structure, and which players could realistically be on the move.

Before diving into the trade market, the duo discuss some of the league’s recent optics and the conversations surrounding them — including the WNBA’s social media controversy after the league posted and later deleted a video featuring a wager between Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, as well as the incident involving Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton, who was suspended by the league following an interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham during a game.

To close out the episode, we answer a listener's question about rebuilding in the WNBA: When is the right time for a team to start over and build for the future?

REFERENCES:

WNBA deletes, apologizes for social media post showing wager between Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers by Devon Henderson and Annie Costabile

Storm owner suspended after interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham by Mark Puleo

We played WNBA general manager with your trade proposals. Who says no? by Sabreena Merchant

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason
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The WNBA playoff race is heating up as the second half of the season gets underway. Zena and Sabreena break down Tuesday night’s action, highlighting teams that showcased offensive firepower while exposing defensive concerns that could shape the postseason picture.

The duo then dives into how teams are handling player controversies and the impact those moments can have on public perception. They discuss the latest Kelsey Plum trade rumors before looking ahead at the defining storylines of the second half: How will the Minnesota Lynx adjust with Napheesa Collier back in the lineup? What impact will Brionna Jones have on the Atlanta Dream? And can the Washington Mystics continue their surprising rise?

Plus, we look ahead to the upcoming World Cup break and how it could affect teams with multiple players representing their countries. Who will benefit from the break, and who could lose momentum?

Finally, we wrap up the episode with a second-half edition of Two Takes and a Fake.

REFERENCES:

What I’m hearing on Napheesa Collier, Kelsey Plum and other WNBA trade deadline targets by Annie Costabile

Toronto Tempo shopping future first-round pick ahead of WNBA trade deadline by Annie Costabile

WNBA second-half predictions: Playoffs, lottery odds, trade deadline and suspensions by Sabreena Merchant
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
TikTok: @no_offseason
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBA took over Chicago for a weekend! Zena, Annie, and Sabreena share the behind-the-scenes experience covering All-Star Weekend, from the energy inside the city to Barack Obama’s appearance and the biggest storylines that shaped the event.

The trio breaks down Azzi Fudd’s historic 3-Point Contest win, the introduction of the Shooting Stars competition, and what the league can do to continue evolving the All-Star experience. They also examine Cathy Engelbert’s All-Star Weekend press conference, discussing the WNBA’s new centralized replay center, ongoing officiating concerns, and the commissioner’s comments on improving communication and trust with players.

Plus, we revisited the biggest moments from the All-Star Game, including Team Spoon’s victory, Jonquel Jones’ MVP performance, Dominique Malonga’s highlight-reel dunk, and the rise of the league’s next generation of stars.

We close out with “And One More Thing,” celebrating Angel Reese’s new Barbie doll and her growing impact both on and off the court.

REFERENCES:

The WNBA All-Stars met Obama and found the good vibes that have been missing by Brian Hamilton

Azzi Fudd becomes first rookie to win WNBA 3-point contest by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA to launch replay center for 2027 season by Sabreena Merchant

Cathy Engelbert admits ‘we have to be better’ at communicating with WNBA players by Annie Costabile

2026 WNBA All-Star Game takeaways: A dunk, a worthy MVP and a plea for intensity by Brian Hamilton

WNBA All-Star Game winners, losers: The phenoms and their phenomenal weekend by Sabreena Merchant

Cathy Engelbert may be unpopular with WNBA players, but she's not paid to be their bestie by Candace Buckner

Angel Reese’s signature Barbie doll to debut at WNBA’s All-Star weekend by Jason Jones

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
TikTok: @no_offseason
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.