Chiney Today

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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. 16 hr ago

    Lisa Leslie on Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson & Her Historic Statue Unveiling | Chiney Today

    Lisa Leslie joins Chiney Ogwumike for a special conversation ahead of becoming the first WNBA player to receive a statue at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena. Lisa opens up about the hidden details built into her statue, including four gold elements representing her four Olympic gold medals and a red lipstick detail inspired by her book Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You. She also reflects on her close relationship with Kobe Bryant, why Kobe’s mother and sister will be at the unveiling, and the family moments she treasures most from their friendship. Plus, Lisa takes Chiney inside her legendary basketball journey. From playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA players while playing in the WNBA, to scoring 101 points in one half of a high school game, to becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game and helping build the league from its inaugural season.  In This Episode:-Lisa Leslie reveals the special details behind her historic statue -Why the statue includes red lipstick -Lisa reflects on Kobe Bryant, his family, and their bond - Playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA players -The truth behind Lisa’s 101-point half in high school -Becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game -Helping launch the WNBA and carrying the torch for women’s basketball -Battling the Houston Comets dynasty and what it took for the Sparks to break through -Lisa reflects on legacy, family, and why she wants to be remembered for love Subscribe for more episodes of Chiney Today: The Heartbeat of Hoops.   Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:04 Lisa Leslie reflects on her historic statue 3:02 Becoming a Los Angeles basketball icon 5:08 Lisa on helping launch the WNBA 7:39 Becoming the first player to dunk in a WNBA game 8:28 The truth behind Lisa’s 101-point half 11:08 Mamba Mentality and the sacrifices behind greatness 12:44 Playing pickup with Magic Johnson and NBA stars 13:35 Lisa reflects on Kobe Bryant and his family 14:58 Balancing motherhood and a WNBA career 17:11 The fearless competitor behind Lisa Leslie 18:57 Battling the Houston Comets dynasty 20:28 Why the 1996 Olympics was Lisa’s favorite championship 22:50 Lisa reflects on 30 years of the WNBA 23:40 Lisa’s impact on Chiney and the next generation 26:11 “My legacy is love” 27:29 Lisa reveals the hidden details on her statue 28:21 Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Lisa Leslie on Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson & Her Historic Statue Unveiling | Chiney Today

  2. 4 days ago

    Team USA Wins World Cup Gold + What Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the Next Generation Mean for the Future | Chiney Today

    Team USA is golden again. 🥇🇺🇸 Chiney Ogwumike breaks down Team USA’s 97-79 win over France in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Final, extending its streak to 36 straight World Cup wins and securing a fifth consecutive World Cup championship. Ashanti Plummer joins Chiney LIVE from Berlin to share what it was like inside the arena as Team USA flipped the game in the second half. Chiney also goes to the tape to break down the adjustments that changed the game, including Kara Lawson’s elite substitutions, Breanna Stewart’s impact, Napheesa Collier’s hustle and Caitlin Clark’s huge three before halftime. Plus, Chiney and Ashanti look ahead to the future of USA Basketball. What will Team USA’s 2028 Olympics roster look like? How will Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the rest of young core fit alongside the vets playing in their final Olympic game? And with Gabby Williams, Marine Johannès, and France continuing to improve, what will the future look like with the world beginning to close the gap? IN THIS EPISODE: -Team USA wins its fifth straight FIBA World Cup title -How USA dominated France in the second half -Chiney breaks down the biggest plays on the Telestrator -Breanna Stewart earns World Cup MVP -Jackie Young shines on the biggest stage -Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese make a huge impact -What will Team USA’s roster look like at the 2028 Olympics? -Gabby Williams, France and the growing international threat -Ashanti Plummer officially joins the Chiney Today family Subscribe for more episodes of Chiney Today: The Heartbeat of Hoops. Timestamps: -0:00 Intro -1:16 Chiney welcomes a new friend of the show! -3:12 Team USA beats France to win 5th straight Gold medal -5:26 The two halves of basketball -8:15 Breaking down the key moments in Team USA’s win -11:57 Giving flowers to EVERY player -18:20 How will Team USA look in 2028 for the Olympics? -21:13 France, Spain, and the World have caught up -22:46 Give Gabby Williams her flowers! -26:11 Marine Johannes gave us the BEST World Cup moment -27:17 Final World Cup Takeaways -28:51 Drop THIS in the comments! -29:20 Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Team USA Wins World Cup Gold + What Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and the Next Generation Mean for the Future | Chiney Today

  3. 11 Sept

    Team USA’s Best Game Yet, Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese Click + Is France the Team to Beat? | Chiney Today

    Team USA is headed to the FIBA World Cup semifinals after its most dominant performance of the tournament, a 108–56 win over Hungary! In today’s episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph break down what made Team USA so effective, including the versatility of Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the team’s transition attack, and the chemistry developing between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Chiney uses some new technology to explain where Team USA still has room to improve, including defensive breakdowns and potential rotation changes as the competition gets tougher. Plus, France continues to roll and has moved ahead of Team USA in the FIBA rankings. Chiney and Jason discuss why Gabby Williams and France have looked like the best team in the tournament so far and whether a Team USA vs. France championship matchup could be on the way. IN THIS EPISODE: -Team USA dominates Hungary 108–56 and advances to the semifinals - Napheesa Collier + Breanna Stewart lead USA’s Best Game Yet -Chiney breaks down Team USA’s offensive versatility on the telestrator - Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continue building chemistry -Why Team USA may need to adjust its rotations in the medal rounds -Defensive issues with Team USA still need to be cleaned up -Why France has overtaken Team USA in the FIBA rankings -Gabby Williams and France emerge as Team USA’s biggest threat -Could Team USA vs. France be the World Cup championship matchup? Subscribe to Chiney Today for more conversations from the heartbeat of hoops. Timestamps: -0:00 Intro  -1:42 USA dominates in win vs. Hungary -4:29 Breaking down plays where Breanna Stewart went to work! -7:23 Breaking down plays where Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese shifted the game -14:00 The young stars provide options for Team USA -17:15 Team USA has some areas to tighten up -19:18 Are France and Team USA on a collision course? -23:40 Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Team USA’s Best Game Yet, Caitlin Clark & Angel Reese Click + Is France the Team to Beat? | Chiney Today

  4. 9 Sept

    Team USA Is NOT No. 1?! FIBA World Cup Rankings Explained | Chiney Today

    Team USA is undefeated through the group stage of the 2026 FIBA World Cup… but they’re no longer ranked No. 1! 👀 In today’s episode, Chiney Ogwumike breaks down her biggest takeaways from Team USA’s run so far, including Caitlin Clark’s record-setting World Cup debut, the impact of Team USA’s “Young + Turnt” lineup, and why veteran experience seems to matter most in international play. Chiney also details the three things WNBA players have to adjust to in their hunt for another gold medal — from the different ball and court surface to FIBA rules, physicality, and the overall challenges of playing overseas. Plus, France jumped Team USA in the latest FIBA rankings! Chiney explains why she still wouldn’t put anyone ahead of Team USA until somebody actually knocks them off. With Gabby Williams leading France and Belgium’s Emma Meesseman also showing out, France and Belgium round out the Top 3 alongside Team USA. Team USA now turns its attention to the quarterfinals against Hungary as the medal rounds begin. In this episode: -Why Team USA dropped to No. 2 in the latest FIBA rankings -Why France has earned the No. 1 spot, but Chiney ain’t buying it -Caitlin Clark, Bueckers & Angel Reese’s “Young + Turnt” lineup -Caitlin Clark’s record-setting World Cup debut -The sequence that led to Team USA’s close win over Italy -The biggest differences between WNBA and FIBA play -What WNBA stars are showing out for their country -What Team USA needs to clean up before the medal rounds begin Subscribe to Chiney Today for more conversations from the heartbeat of hoops. Timestamps: -0:00 Intro -3:32 Team USA Swept Group D To Advance To Quarterfinals -6:50 Challenging Variables Team USA Is Navigating -16:21 The Stars Experience Is Game-Changing -23:29 Young & Turnt Have Officially Arrived! -28:42 France Is Ranked Number 1?!  -34:33 Goodbye Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Team USA Is NOT No. 1?! FIBA World Cup Rankings Explained | Chiney Today

  5. 4 Sept

    The WNBA Playoff Race Is Wide Open: Breaking Down Every Potential First-Round Matchup | Chiney Today

    The WNBA playoffs are almost here, and this year’s race is more wide open than ever. Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph break down the new WNBA playoff format, the tight standings, and the potential first-round matchups that could define the postseason. From the Minnesota Lynx holding onto the top spot to the Las Vegas Aces chasing another championship run, the field is packed with contenders and dangerous lower seeds. They also dive into each possible matchup if the playoffs started today! Starting with a Lynx-Wings matchup featuring Olivia Miles, the Golden State Valkyries’ historic rise, the Washington Mystics’ dangerous young core, another potential Aces-Liberty showdown, and why Indiana’s explosive offense could make the Fever one of the most dangerous teams in the bracket, but they have to get through Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream first. IN THIS EPISODE: -How the new WNBA playoff format works -Why the Minnesota Lynx still sit atop the field -How close the race is from the No. 3 seed through No. 8 -Olivia Miles and the potential Lynx-Wings matchup -Golden State Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics -A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and another Aces-Liberty battle -Why the Fever’s offense could create playoff chaos -Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese continues: Atlanta’s defense vs. Indiana’s Offense  Who do you think will win the WNBA championship? Subscribe to Chiney Today for more conversations from the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    The WNBA Playoff Race Is Wide Open: Breaking Down Every Potential First-Round Matchup | Chiney Today

  6. 1 Sept

    August Was WILD in The W: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Chelsea Gray & More | Chiney Today

    The WNBA may be on FIBA World Cup break, but Chiney Today is hitting rewind on everything August gave us. Chiney Ogwumike breaks down the biggest moments from a wild month in the W, including Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell taking the Indiana Fever to another level, Chelsea Gray’s double buzzer-beaters in the same game, and Angel Reese’s record-setting run on the glass. Plus, Chiney looks at the Minnesota Lynx’s dominant stretch, DeWanna Bonner joining the Atlanta Dream for their playoff push, Nneka Ogwumike’s offensive run after announcing her retirement, and Diana Taurasi’s jersey in the rafters. Before all that, Chiney checks in from Ethiopia and reacts to A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum missing the FIBA World Cup, opening the door an even bigger opportunity for Team USA’s next generation. IN THIS EPISODE: -Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell become “Double Trouble” -Chelsea Gray’s historic two-buzzer-beater performance -Angel Reese continues rewriting the rebounding record book -Minnesota Lynx dominate August -DeWanna Bonner joins the Atlanta Dream -Nneka Ogwumike receives her flowers after announcing retirement -Natisha Hiedeman’s Run Buds takes over Seattle -Team USA adjusts without A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum -Plus recapping 2026's wildest scam in sports Subscribe to Chiney Today for more conversations from the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    August Was WILD in The W: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Chelsea Gray & More | Chiney Today

  7. 28 Aug

    Team USA’s New Era: Who Can Stop Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Company | Chiney Today

    A new era of Team USA basketball has arrived. Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston join A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and a loaded American roster at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Can this new generation help Team USA capture its fifth consecutive World Cup championship—or could France finally end nearly two decades of American dominance? Chiney Ogwumike and Senior ESPN Researcher Jason Joseph break down Team USA’s revamped roster, the different dimensions Clark and Bueckers bring to the backcourt, and why A’ja and Stewie remain the ultimate international basketball cheat code. They also examine the biggest challengers to Team USA, including a dangerous French roster led by Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga, along with Australia, Spain, Belgium and a rising Nigerian program. Plus, Chiney explains how the World Cup could reshape the final stretch of the WNBA championship race. IN THIS EPISODE: -Team USA begins a new era without Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi-What Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese bring to the roster-Why A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart remain Team USA’s ultimate advantage-Can Gabby Williams and Dominique Malonga lead France past the Americans?-The other countries capable of making a deep World Cup run-Chiney celebrates Nigeria’s rise on the international stage-How the tournament could impact the Aces, Fever, Dream and WNBA title race Subscribe to Chiney Today for more conversations from the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Team USA’s New Era: Who Can Stop Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Company | Chiney Today

  8. 25 Aug

    WNBA Power Rankings: Aces, Fever… Who Can Catch the Minnesota Lynx? | Chiney Today

    The WNBA playoffs are around the corner, and the contenders are separating themselves, so it’s time for Chiney to update her power rankings before international play begins. Chiney Ogwumike and Senior ESPN Researcher Jason Joseph explain why Napheesa Collier, Olivia Miles and the Minnesota Lynx remain the team to beat. They move A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces into the No. 2 spot and debate whether the Golden State Valkyries have enough offense for a championship run. After settling a heated Indiana Fever–Atlanta Dream debate to complete the top five, Chiney and Jason rank the rest of the league and reveal which lower-seeded teams could become dangerous postseason matchups. They examine New York’s late-season surge, Washington’s surprising playoff run, and Dallas’ outlook before reacting to DeWanna Bonner’s buyout with the Phoenix Mercury and identifying the contenders she could help push toward a championship. IN THIS EPISODE: -Why the Minnesota Lynx remain No. 1 -The Las Vegas Aces’ rise to No. 2 -Golden State’s elite defense and offensive concerns -Indiana Fever vs. Atlanta Dream -Chiney’s complete WNBA power rankings -Why nobody wants to face the New York Liberty -Washington’s surprising playoff push -Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings’ playoff picture -Potential landing spots for DeWanna Bonner -Which teams Chiney trusts when it’s ring season Drop your WNBA power rankings in the comments, and subscribe for more hoops, headlines, and happy times from Chiney Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    WNBA Power Rankings: Aces, Fever… Who Can Catch the Minnesota Lynx? | 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
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, ESPN. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Chiney Today

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