Chiney Today

ESPN
ESPN
  • 4.9 (32)
  • Basketball
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 21h ago

    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

  2. 5d ago

    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

  3. Sep 1

    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

  4. Aug 28

    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

  5. Aug 25

    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

  6. Aug 21

    Big Sis Retires! Chiney Celebrates Nneka’s Legendary WNBA Career | Chiney Today

    Chiney Ogwumike celebrates her big sister Nneka after the WNBA champion, MVP, and 11-time All-Star announced she will retire at the end of the season. Chiney shares when Nneka made her decision, what the final season has meant to their family, and why her impact on women’s basketball extends far beyond the court. Plus, Chiney and Brandon discuss Azzi Fudd’s season-ending knee procedure, Kelsey Mitchell and the surging Indiana Fever, the Minnesota Lynx’s pursuit of WNBA history, and whether Nneka could eventually become league commissioner. IN THIS EPISODE: -Chiney reflects on Nneka’s legendary WNBA career -How the Ogwumike family kept Nneka’s retirement a secret -Why Nneka is walking away on her own terms -Could Nneka eventually become WNBA commissioner? -What Azzi Fudd’s knee procedure means for Dallas -Kelsey Mitchell and the surging Indiana Fever -The Minnesota Lynx chase WNBA history Subscribe for more hoops, headlines, and happy times from Chiney Today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Big Sis Retires! Chiney Celebrates Nneka’s Legendary WNBA Career | Chiney Today

  7. Aug 18

    Who Gets a Ring? Breaking Down the WNBA Championship Race | Chiney Today

    Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have built the most explosive offense in WNBA history. A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are chasing another championship. Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx have been the league’s most consistent team. So, who is actually built to win it all? Chiney breaks down what needs to happen for the Lynx, Valkyries, Aces, Fever, Dream, and Liberty to make a championship run. Can Indiana’s historic offense carry the Fever through the playoffs? Does Las Vegas have enough depth around A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young? Have the Lynx peaked too early, or is Olivia Miles the piece that changes everything? Plus, Chiney shares an unforgettable story about challenging Diana Taurasi as a rookie and celebrates Candace Parker and the Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. IN THIS EPISODE: -The WNBA title race: What every major contender needs to win it all -Minnesota’s championship formula: Napheesa Collier, Olivia Miles and the league’s best team -Golden State’s playoff test: Can the Valkyries find enough explosive scoring? -Las Vegas’ dynasty chase: A’ja Wilson, Jackie Young and the Aces’ biggest concern -Indiana’s historic offense: Why Caitlin Clark and the Fever can win a championship -Atlanta and New York: The health and identity questions facing the Dream and Liberty -Chiney vs. Diana Taurasi: The rookie screen DT never forgot -Hall of Fame honors: Celebrating Candace Parker and the legendary 1996 U.S. Olympic team Subscribe to Chiney Today for more conversations from the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Who Gets a Ring? Breaking Down the WNBA Championship Race | Chiney Today

  8. Aug 14

    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
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4.9
out of 5
32 Ratings

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
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026, ESPN. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Chiney Today

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