No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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

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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

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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
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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

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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.

As we get closer to the start of the WNBA season, our big questions continue. This time, Zena, Layshia, and Sabreena take a look at the league’s top contenders. The crew discusses whether the Aces will get off to a strong start and what the early dynamics of the Liberty might look like with Satou Sabally in the mix. We also explore what factors could push the Dream and Wings into true contender conversations. Then we shift to the Fever and examine what their identity could look like with Caitlin Clark back in the lineup.

Lastly, we dive into the mailbag, breaking down what it means when teams exercise a player’s option.

REFERENCES:

Fever vs. Wings takeaways: Caitlin Clark’s early exit, Azzi Fudd’s pro debut by James Boyd

Angel Reese fits right in with Dream, beats Sky in first game since trade: Takeaways by Annie Costabile

WNBA preseason power rankings: Can anyone dethrone the Las Vegas Aces? by Sabreena Merchant

Chicago Sky sign Natasha Cloud, waive Hailey Van Lith by Annie Costabile

Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu to miss at least two weeks with injury by Annie Costabile
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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.

Sabreena and Annie take a closer look at the league’s middle tier—teams with something to prove. They evaluate the future outlook of the Minnesota Lynx, explore whether the Golden State Valkyries can find success again in year two, and consider what lies ahead for the Los Angeles Sparks. We also dive into the pressure facing the Chicago Sky amid roster changes, and the challenges confronting Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury.

Finally, we’ll tell you where to set your screens!

REFERENCES:

As Angel Reese returns to Chicago with Dream, Sky work to re-imagine their future by Annie Costabile

Angel Reese fits right in with Dream, beats Sky in first game since trade: Takeaways by Annie Costabile

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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.