No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Layshia, Annie and Sabreena unpack the complex realities of health in the WNBA — from the physical toll of a demanding season to the mental challenges players face behind the scenes. The trio discusses the impact injuries can have on careers, including ongoing concerns surrounding Caitlin Clark’s back issues and Satou Sabally’s battle to stay healthy. They also dive into why investing in player wellness, recovery, and long-term development is critical for the future of the league — especially for younger stars' development.

REFERENCES:

Caitlin Clark, Fever bounce back from tough opening-night loss to beat Sparks by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA, NBA Board of Governors approve sale of Sun; Houston relocation set for 2027 by Annie Costabile

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

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.

Zena, Annie, and Layshia Clarendon dive into the evolving landscape of WNBA media coverage and how the league’s rapid growth is changing the conversation around players and teams. What was once cautious coverage has shifted toward deeper analysis and tougher criticism — a sign that the league is entering a new era of mainstream attention. The trio discusses why constructive criticism and accountability are necessary for a growing league, how responsible reporting shapes the WNBA ecosystem, and why fans need to understand the context and impact of modern sports media coverage.

REFERENCES:

Portland Fire notch first win, edge New York Liberty on buzzer-beater by Sabreena Merchant

Azzi Fudd sits out Wings’ home opener with right knee injury by Brian Hamilton

Cori Close, UCLA agree to contract extension through 2029-30 season by Matt Moret

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

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.

Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down their biggest surprises from opening weekend action in the WNBA. They spotlight surprising early-season results, including strong performances from rookies and impactful new additions to teams like the Washington Mystics and Golden State Valkyries. The trio then discusses which teams already appear ahead of schedule in their development, along with early concerns around Caitlin Clark’s back issue and defensive inconsistencies from the Los Angeles Sparks.

And to finish, we play a numbers game.

REFERENCES:

Mercury get revenge on Aces with season-opening dismantling: ‘They’ve been pissed’ by Sabreena Merchant

How the Dallas Wings took down the Indiana Fever in WNBA season-opener thriller by Annie Costabile and Brian Hamilton

Paige Bueckers showed why she holds keys to Dallas Wings’ season in win over Indiana Fever by Annie Costabile

The WNBA bet big on Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers. Opening Day delivered by Brian Hamilton

Las Vegas Aces’ ‘crown is getting heavier’ in disappointing opening loss to Mercury by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA power rankings: How far do the Aces drop after an opening-game debacle? by Sabreena Merchant

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

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 30th season of the WNBA officially tips off today, and Sabreena and Annie open the conversation by breaking down the latest roster changes across the league. They also discuss Napheesa Collier’s candid remarks on WNBA leadership and what they could mean moving forward.

From there, the duo turns to their season preview, offering predictions for major awards including MVP, Rookie of the Year, and Coach of the Year, along with early championship outlooks. They also explore the idea of voter fatigue in MVP voting and highlight several potential dark horse candidates who could shake up the season.
Plus, we tell you where to set your screens!

REFERENCES:

Olivia Miles, Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts? Who will win 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year? Voters: Annie Costabile, Sabreena Merchant, Brian Hamilton, Chantel Jennings

Who's earning the 2026 WNBA MVP award? A'ja Wilson? Paige Bueckers? Caitlin Clark? Voters: Annie Costabile, Sabreena Merchant, Brian Hamilton, Chantel Jennings

Las Vegas Aces' quest to repeat started with retaining A'ja Wilson. Here's how they did it by: Sabreena Merchant

Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter!
__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

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.

In this engaging conversation, Zena and Layshia share their thoughts on the WNBA General Manager Survey that dropped this week. From there, the duo previews the upcoming WNBA season with bold superlative predictions—from best fit for reality TV and the league’s comedian to top platonic duos, best tunnel fits, and more. They also break down which teams have the strongest backup point guards, who boasts the best depth, and which true bigs are poised to dominate the paint.

Plus, the crew reflects on legendary WNBA center Tina Charles, who has announced her retirement.

REFERENCES:

WNBA GM survey: A’ja Wilson, Aces receive top marks; Wings win vote for best offseason by Sabreena Merchant

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: [email protected]

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.