Chiney Today

ESPN
ESPN
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  • Basketball
  • Every two weeks

Chiney Today is a twice-weekly podcast hosted by two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN basketball analyst Chiney Ogwumike, delivering smart analysis and spirited insight at the intersection of hoops and culture. As one of the few national voices covering both men’s and women’s basketball at the highest level, Chiney bridges every corner of the game connecting leagues, storylines, and the moments that shape how fans experience basketball today. From the biggest headlines to the deeper cultural currents driving the sport, Chiney Today informs, entertains, challenges, and celebrates the game as it continues to evolve on and off the court.

  1. 3 days ago

    Lakers Sold for $12.5B, Russell Westbrook Retires, NBA Christmas Schedule with Ramona Shelburne

    Basketball history is happening in Hollywood. Ramona Shelburne joins Chiney to reveal how Josh Kushner and Bob Iger’s group agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers at a record $12.5 billion valuation—and how the stunning deal came together in just three days. Then, Chiney and Ramona celebrate Russell Westbrook’s unforgettable 18-season career, the heart and intensity that made him your favorite player’s favorite player, and his lasting impact on Los Angeles and the NBA. Plus, they unwrap the NBA’s Opening Night and Christmas Day schedules, from LeBron’s return to L.A. to the biggest matchup, the game on the naughty list, and the superstar still missing from Christmas. IN THIS EPISODE: -Inside the Lakers sale: How Kushner and Iger landed the franchise in a matter of days. -Why a group pursuing NBA expansion pivoted toward the Lakers. - Kushner and Iger’s connection: How their friendship started and their sports partnership developed. - What does the $12.5 billion valuation of the Lakers mean for the Knicks, Warriors, and the rest of the NBA. -Russell Westbrook retires: Celebrating the heart, intensity, and legacy of a future Hall of Famer and LA Legend. - Christmas Day Schedule: The best gift, the naughty-list matchup, and the wish-list game still missing from the schedule. Subscribe to Chiney Today for more hoops, headlines, and happy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Lakers Sold for $12.5B, Russell Westbrook Retires, NBA Christmas Schedule with Ramona Shelburne

  2. 6 days ago

    Darryn Peterson on Rookie of the Year, Utah’s Future + Marc J. Spears on Why He’ll Be Special | Chiney Today

    Darryn Peterson joins Chiney Ogwumike to talk about his few weeks as a pro, his impressive Summer League run, and the expectations surrounding a young Utah Jazz team ready to take the next step in the NBA. Peterson opens up about his Rookie of the Year goals, developing as a playmaker, facing the physicality of the NBA, playing alongside Utah’s young core, and why LeBron James and Devin Booker are two players he wants to face. Then, Basketball Hall of Fame Writer Marc J. Spears joins Chiney to explain why Peterson could be special immediately, what makes his game so advanced, and why people may be sleeping on the new-look Jazz. In this episode: -Darryn Peterson reflects on Summer League Performance -Why was his 12-assist performance more impressive than his scoring -Rookie Goals: Playoffs, Rookie of the Year, and All-Rookie First Team -Why Utah believes Peterson helps change the direction of the franchise -Why LeBron is the NBA star Darryn is most excited to face -Marc J. Spears explains what makes Peterson such a cerebral scorer -Why Spears compares his approach to Tim Duncan and CJ McCollum -Can Keyonte George take another leap with DP? -Why the Utah Jazz will surprise the Western Conference -Marc + Chiney on the strength of the 2026 NBA Draft class -Why Jaylen Brown’s move to Philadelphia will have a massive impact in the NBA Subscribe to Chiney Today for more hoops, headlines, and happy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Darryn Peterson on Rookie of the Year, Utah’s Future + Marc J. Spears on Why He’ll Be Special | Chiney Today

  3. 7 Aug

    Jabari Smith Jr. on Kevin Durant, Ime Udoka and Houston’s Next Step + Inside the Rockets Young Core | Chiney Today

    Jabari Smith Jr. joins Chiney Ogwumike to talk about what’s next for the Houston Rockets, what he’s learned from playing alongside Kevin Durant, and why he believes there’s still another level to his game. Jabari explains what makes KD’s work ethic different, why Fred VanVleet’s leadership is so important to Houston, what it’s really like playing for Ime Udoka, and why improving his ball handling is a major focus of his offseason. He also opens up about becoming a father, how his daughter has changed his outlook, and why he plans to bring her courtside when the Houston Comets arrive. Then, Rockets sideline reporter Vanessa Richardson joins Chiney to take a deeper look at Houston’s roster. Vanessa shares what she’s seen from Jabari behind the scenes, including how he responded after losing his starting spot, and discusses Kevin Durant’s impact on the franchise, Alperen Sengun’s continued growth, and the enormous potential of Amen Thompson. In this episode: What Jabari has learned from Kevin Durant Why ball handling could unlock the next level of Jabari’s game Fred VanVleet’s importance to the Rockets Playing for Ime Udoka and Houston’s physical identity Jabari on becoming a father How Jabari handled losing and eventually regaining his starting role Kevin Durant’s impact on and off the floor in Houston Alperen Sengun’s development Why Amen Thompson’s ceiling is so high Vanessa’s rapid-fire predictions for the Rockets Subscribe to Chiney Today for more hoops, headlines, and happy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Jabari Smith Jr. on Kevin Durant, Ime Udoka and Houston’s Next Step + Inside the Rockets Young Core | Chiney Today

  4. 4 Aug

    VJ Edgecombe on LeBron, Philly’s New Superteam & Being Ready for the Pressure | Chiney Today

    VJ Edgecombe joins Chiney Ogwumike to reflect on his breakout rookie season, his development alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, and the pressure surrounding Philadelphia’s star-studded new roster. VJ shares how he learned LeBron James was joining the 76ers, what he hopes to absorb from LeBron and Jaylen Brown, and why gratitude, family and his Bahamian roots keep him grounded. Then, Ramona Shelburne joins Chiney to examine how Philadelphia can make all of its talent work, what this season means for Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown, and why VJ could eventually become the face of the franchise. Plus, Chiney and Ramona break down the Kelsey Plum trade and what it means for the Phoenix Mercury, Los Angeles Sparks and the 2027 WNBA Draft IN THIS EPISODE: VJ reflects on his breakout rookie season and favorite poster dunk. He explains why improving his shot is the next step in his development. VJ shares how he learned LeBron James was joining Philadelphia. He discusses learning from LeBron, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Ramona Shelburne breaks down how the 76ers can make their star-studded roster work. Chiney and Ramona examine the stakes for Embiid and VJ’s future in Philadelphia. They also analyze the Kelsey Plum trade and its impact on Phoenix, Los Angeles, and the 2027 WNBA Draft. Subscribe to Chiney Today for more hoops, headlines, and happy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    VJ Edgecombe on LeBron, Philly’s New Superteam & Being Ready for the Pressure | Chiney Today

  5. 3 Aug

    BONUS: Sonia Citron Full Interview — Kiki Iriafen, Notre Dame, West African Roots & More

    A special bonus edition of Chiney Today featuring Chiney Ogwumike’s full conversation with Sonia Citron. Sonia breaks down her unforgettable game-winner, her bond with Kiki Iriafen, the culture of the Washington Mystics, and her evolution beyond being just a shooter. She also reflects on Notre Dame, All-Star Weekend, training with her boyfriend Marist Liufau, and how her West African and Cape Verdean roots shaped her belief that she must “outwork everybody else.” IN THIS EPISODE: Inside the game-winner: Sonia walks through the chaotic final possession, the jump ball, and the turnaround shot she did not expect to fall. Life as a two-time All-Star: She reflects on a packed All-Star Weekend and the fun of playing alongside stars from around the league. Becky Hammon’s $100 challenge: Sonia explains how All-Star practice turned into a series of competitive games for cash. The Mystics’ fearless mentality: She breaks down the mindset behind Washington’s young core and why the team is always willing to go all in. Her bond with Kiki Iriafen: Sonia discusses growing through the WNBA together and how their inside-out games complement each other. Becoming more than a shooter: She shares how she is improving her handle, decision-making and ability to create for teammates. How Notre Dame prepared her: Sonia credits Niele Ivey and Michaela Mabrey for helping her develop into a confident WNBA player. Training with Marist Liufau: She reveals how her boyfriend helps as a rebounder, screener, and occasional practice defender. Inside the Mystics’ locker room: Sonia explains Coach Sydney Johnson’s viral postgame celebrations and the joy behind them. Family, heritage, and work ethic: She opens up about her West African and Cape Verdean roots and why she believes she must outwork everybody else. Subscribe to Chiney Today for more hoops, headlines, and happy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    BONUS: Sonia Citron Full Interview — Kiki Iriafen, Notre Dame, West African Roots & More

  6. 31 Jul

    Sonia Citron on Her Game-Winner, All-Star Rise & the Mystics’ Fearless Mentality | Chiney Today

    Washington Mystics guard and two-time WNBA All-Star Sonia Citron joins Chiney Ogwumike (14:36) to break down the wild game-winner she thought had slipped away, the split-second decision behind her turnaround jumper, and what went through her mind before the celebration could begin. Sonia also opens up about her second All-Star experience, working with her best friend as her stylist, surviving the Mystics’ four-overtime thriller, and the areas of her game she is developing as she looks to become more than a shooter and grow into a complete playmaker. Before the interview, Chiney weighs in on the biggest WNBA second-half predictions, including whether Marina Mabrey and Jessica Shepard will break major league records, whether the Indiana Fever can become the highest-scoring team in WNBA history, Olivia Miles’ All-WNBA chances, the New York Liberty’s playoff outlook, and the possibility of JuJu Watkins eventually landing in Houston. In this episode: Sonia Citron takes us inside her game-winning shot The Mystics’ fearless team culture and playoff push Sonia’s evolution as a ball-handler and playmaker Her WNBA All-Star experience and off-court style Chiney’s hottest second-half predictions The WNBA records that could fall this season Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, and Minnesota Lynx outlooks Olivia Miles, A’ja Wilson, and the race for postseason positioning Subscribe to Chiney Today for more hoops, headlines, and happy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Sonia Citron on Her Game-Winner, All-Star Rise & the Mystics’ Fearless Mentality | Chiney Today

  7. 28 Jul

    The WNBA's Commissioner Question: Is It The End of The Cathy Engelbert Era? | Chiney Today

    Chiney is back from WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago and breaking down the biggest highlights, lowlights and history-making moments from the celebration. ESPN’s Alexa Philippou joins the show to discuss WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s uncertain future, her relationship with players, and whether the league needs a different kind of leadership for its next chapter. Plus, Chiney celebrates Jonquel Jones’ All-Star Game MVP, Dominique Malonga’s historic dunk, Azzi Fudd’s three-point contest victory, and Nneka Ogwumike becoming the WNBA All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer. Chiney and Brandon also share their ideas for improving All-Star Weekend, including more rest for players, the return of the four-point shot, and a potential one-on-one tournament. In this episode: Is Cathy Engelbert still the right commissioner to lead the WNBA? Why the relationship between league leadership and players matters Jonquel Jones adds All-Star Game MVP to her résumé Azzi Fudd makes history in the three-point contest Dominique Malonga throws down a historic All-Star Game dunk Nneka Ogwumike becomes the WNBA All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer How the WNBA can improve All-Star Weekend Should the four-point shot make its return? Could a one-on-one tournament become the next signature event? Subscribe to Chiney Today, the home for hoops, headlines, and happy times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The WNBA's Commissioner Question: Is It The End of The Cathy Engelbert Era? | Chiney Today

  8. 26 Jul

    WNBA All-Star Weekend: JJ’s MVP, Nneka’s Record & Second-Half Contenders with Andraya Carter | Chiney Today

    Chiney Ogwumike is live from Chicago with Andraya Carter for a joyful recap of WNBA All-Star Weekend. They break down Jonquel Jones’ MVP performance, Dominique Malonga’s statement dunk, and Nneka Ogwumike becoming the WNBA All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer. Andraya also shares the personal meaning behind her return to work and the friend she dedicated the weekend to. Then, Chiney and Andraya look ahead to the second half of the season, including the rise of the Dallas Wings, Gabby Williams’ impact in Golden State, Minnesota’s surprising success, and why it is still difficult to bet against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces. Plus, ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph joins Chiney to revisit the biggest moments, milestones, and numbers from a celebration of the WNBA’s past, present, and future. Subscribe to Chiney Today, the home for hoops, headlines, and happy times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    WNBA All-Star Weekend: JJ’s MVP, Nneka’s Record & Second-Half Contenders with Andraya Carter | Chiney Today
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About

Chiney Today is a twice-weekly podcast hosted by two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN basketball analyst Chiney Ogwumike, delivering smart analysis and spirited insight at the intersection of hoops and culture. As one of the few national voices covering both men’s and women’s basketball at the highest level, Chiney bridges every corner of the game connecting leagues, storylines, and the moments that shape how fans experience basketball today. From the biggest headlines to the deeper cultural currents driving the sport, Chiney Today informs, entertains, challenges, and celebrates the game as it continues to evolve on and off the court.

Information

  • Channel
    ESPN
  • Creator
    ESPN, Omaha Productions, Chiney Ogwumike
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, ESPN. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Chiney Today

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