No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The Athletic
  • 5.0 (14)
  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

No Offseason is The Athletic’s show for all things women’s basketball. Hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Layshia Clarendon, and Annie Costabile bring you the stories that matter the most and the insider info you need from the sport that never stops – served up alongside exclusive interviews with the biggest names in women’s hoops, from the NCAA to the WNBA and all points in between. New episodes drop Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 2D AGO

    2026 Big Award Predictions + Who We Picked to Win the Title

    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: 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.

    54 min

  2. 3D AGO

    WNBA Superlative Predictions: Reality TV Ready Stars to Dynamic Duos

    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: 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.

    1h 3m

  3. 5D AGO

    WNBA Contenders: Are We Destined for an Aces-Liberty Final?

    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 __ 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.

    1h 7m

  4. MAY 1

    Not Quite Contenders: Big Questions for the WNBA’s Middle Tier

    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 __ 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.

    1 hr

  5. APR 30

    Can Portland and Toronto Find Success in Year One? Plus, More Big Questions for Teams in Rebuild Mode

    Layshia and Annie talk through WNBA teams that are in build mode. From finding the right mix of rookies and vets to handling expansion challenges, they look at how Portland, Toronto, Washington, Connecticut, and Seattle are figuring out who they are in the 2026 season. Plus, they get into coaching, team strategies, what success looks like, and why some teams have the potential to surprise sooner than expected. Plus — our take on the NCAA’s push to expand the tournament. REFERENCES:  NCAA basketball tournaments closing in on 76-team March Madness starting in 2027: Sources by Ralph D. Russo __ 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.

    47 min

  6. APR 28

    How Ready is Caitlin Clark? Inside Fever, Liberty, and Sky Training Camps

    In this episode, we welcome our new women’s basketball writer and co-host, Annie Costabile! Chantel and Annie kick things off with a look inside the Fever training camp, joined by Colts beat writer James Boyd, who has been inside the camp. James shares insight on Caitlin Clark’s return and highlights key players who could step up to ease her ball-handling load—allowing her to thrive off the ball. Next, Chantel and Annie turn their attention to New York, where head coach Chris DeMarco is working to establish a new identity for the Liberty heading into the season. From there, they break down the Chicago Sky in their post-Angel era, exploring whether their latest retooling efforts will pay off—and what might be different this time around. Finally, we wrap things up with a “get to know Annie” segment. REFERENCES:  Raven Johnson, Caitlin Clark reunite with Fever after wave-off: ‘Maybe I needed that’ by James Boyd Caitlin Clark stays Fever’s top ballhandler, but Raven Johnson should alleviate pressure by James Boyd Fever vs. Liberty preseason takeaways: First looks at Caitlin Clark, New York’s bigs by Annie Costabile Indiana Fever, Aliyah Boston strike $6.3 million extension; highest total value in WNBA history: Sources by James Boyd Liberty starter Natasha Cloud remains unsigned with WNBA preseason underway by Annie Costabile __ 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.

    54 min

  7. APR 24

    Cori Close Breaks Down UCLA’s Title Run, Historic WNBA Draft, and What Comes Next

    Chantel Jennings chats with UCLA head coach Cori Close about the whirlwind following UCLA Women’s Basketball’s national title win, the lessons learned from past experiences, and what it takes to build a championship culture. Coach Close also shares the influence of John Wooden and discusses the evolving landscape of college sports—particularly the transfer portal and NIL era. She outlines her strategic approach to recruiting and emphasizes the importance of institutional support for sustained success. REFERENCES:  How UCLA’s super senior class, led by Lauren Betts, set the championship standard by Sabreena Merchant Grading every 2026 WNBA first-round draft pick from Azzi Fudd to Lauren Betts by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings __ 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.

    39 min

  8. APR 23

    Is it Fair to Ask About Azzi and Paige’s Relationship Status? + What WNBA Training Camp is Really Like

    Zena and Layshia break down the moment that got everyone talking: was it fair to ask Azzi Fudd about her personal relationship with Paige Bueckers? They unpack the context behind the question, the reactions it sparked, and the broader conversation around how female athletes are covered.  We also examine the extent of Paige’s influence on the Wings’ decision to select Azzi. Then, we pull back the curtain on what it’s really like to be in WNBA training camp—navigating the jump from college to the pros. The conversation captures the mix of anxiety and excitement that defines the experience, along with the vital role of communication and teamwork and making lasting impressions. Lastly, the duo wraps things up, questioning why veteran Natasha Cloud has yet to be signed. REFERENCES:  How will the Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd on-court reunion go for the Dallas Wings? by Sabreena Merchant __ 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.

    1h 5m
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No Offseason is The Athletic’s show for all things women’s basketball. Hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Layshia Clarendon, and Annie Costabile bring you the stories that matter the most and the insider info you need from the sport that never stops – served up alongside exclusive interviews with the biggest names in women’s hoops, from the NCAA to the WNBA and all points in between. New episodes drop Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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