Chiney Today

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. 3d ago

    Caitlin Clark Forces Game 3 + Liberty Make History With A Stunning Sweep | Chiney Today

    The WNBA Playoffs are delivering! Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph break down a historic night across the league as the New York Liberty sweep the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx and advance, while Caitlin Clark delivers a huge performance to help the Indiana Fever force a decisive Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces. Chiney and JayJo also discuss what went wrong for Minnesota, whether the Lynx need changes this offseason, how Indiana’s Big Three responded with their season on the line, and the adjustments that helped slow down A’ja Wilson and the Aces. IN THIS EPISODE: LIBERTY MAKE HISTORYNew York sweeps the No. 1 seed Lynx and proves once again why they are no ordinary eighth seed. WHAT’S NEXT FOR MINNESOTA?After another disappointing playoff finish, Chiney and Joe discuss whether the Lynx need a roster shakeup. CAITLIN CLARK FORCES GAME 3Clark finishes with 27 points and 15 assists in a historic playoff performance to keep Indiana’s season alive. INDIANA’S BIG THREE DELIVERSClark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston combine for 75 points as the Fever offense finds its rhythm. HOW THE FEVER SLOWED VEGASIndiana makes key defensive adjustments against A’ja Wilson and the Aces to even the series. PLAYER, PLAY & MOMENT OF THE NIGHTChiney and Joe close the show with their top picks from an unforgettable night of WNBA playoff basketball. Subscribe, rate, and review Chiney Today for more WNBA Playoff coverage from Chiney Ogwumike and the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Caitlin Clark Forces Game 3 + Liberty Make History With A Stunning Sweep | Chiney Today
  2. 5d ago

    A’ja Wilson Dominates, Stewie Stuns Minnesota + WNBA Playoff Takeaways | Chiney Today

    The WNBA Playoffs are here, and Day 1 delivered nothing but dominance! Chiney Ogwumike and Ashanti Plummer break down a historic opening day that saw all four Playoff games in the W decided by 15+ points. Breanna Stewart reminded everyone exactly who she is with a huge performance in New York’s upset win over Minnesota. At the same time, A’ja Wilson dominated Indiana, scoring her career high with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Plus, Chiney and Ashanti react to the Atlanta Dream’s second-half surge against the Washington Mystics, the Golden State Valkyries putting on an offensive clinic against Dallas, Paige Bueckers showing up in her playoff debut, and the biggest adjustments each team needs to make moving forward. IN THIS EPISODE: WNBA Playoffs open with four games decided by 15+ pointsBreanna Stewart drops 34 pts as New York takes Game 1 in Minnesota A’ja Wilson goes for 38 points and 16 rebounds against IndianaChiney breaks down what Caitlin Clark + Kelsey Mitchell need to adjust Atlanta’s defense takes over in the 2nd half against Washington, D.C Golden State scores 104 pts in a dominant playoff win over DallasPaige Bueckers shines in her WNBA playoff debutChiney and Ashanti name Stewie + A’ja Wilson co-players of the night   Subscribe to Chiney Today for more conversations from the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    A’ja Wilson Dominates, Stewie Stuns Minnesota + WNBA Playoff Takeaways | Chiney Today
  3. Sep 26

    Celebrating Nneka Ogwumike: Her Final WNBA Game, Legacy & Future | Chiney Today

    Chiney Ogwumike celebrates her sister Nneka Ogwumike as one of the most accomplished and influential players in WNBA history as she plays her final game with the LA Sparks. In this special episode of Chiney Today, Chiney goes behind the scenes with the people who know Nneka best, including their parents, extended family, and Nneka’s agent, Tracy Hughes, to tell the story of the person behind the MVP, champion, 11-time All-Star, and longtime WNBPA president. The Ogwumike family reflects on how basketball first entered their lives, the places the game has taken them, and the moments that shaped Nneka’s career. They also share stories that reveal the side of Nneka fans rarely get to see, from her childhood and family dynamic to the discipline, humor, and leadership that have defined her away from the court. Plus, Chiney takes listeners inside Nneka’s emotional final WNBA game, her farewell to the fans, a special surprise from the Sparks, and what could come next for “Madam President.” In This Episode: Chiney celebrates Nneka Ogwumike’s WNBA legacyThe Ogwumike family reflects on Nneka’s basketball journeyStories about Nneka growing upRemembering the 2016 championship and defining career momentsTracy Hughes shares the story behind Nneka’s retirement announcementHow Nneka helped lead the WNBA and its players off the courtThe family reveals the side of Nneka fans rarely get to seeBehind the scenes of Nneka’s emotional final WNBA gameWhat comes next for “Madam President” Subscribe to Chiney Today for more hoops, culture, and conversations from the heartbeat of basketball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Celebrating Nneka Ogwumike: Her Final WNBA Game, Legacy & Future | Chiney Today
  4. Sep 22

    Who’s the Real WNBA MVP? A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell + WNBA Award Debates | Chiney Today

    It’s awards time in the WNBA and some of the biggest races are still wide open. 🏆 Chiney Ogwumike is joined by The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant to break down who deserves the hardware as the regular season comes down to the wire. Who should be MVP: A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark or Kelsey Mitchell? After running through the rest of the categories, Chiney and Sabreena debate whether MVP should reward the best individual season or the player whose impact translates most directly to winning. Sabreena makes the case for Olivia Miles, while Chiney explains why A’ja Wilson’s historic two-way dominance gives her the edge. Plus, don’t miss as they make their picks in the tight races for Coach of the Year, Sixth Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year… including cases for Angel Reese, Sonia Citron, Shakira Austin, and more in some major categories. IN THIS EPISODE: -A record-breaking year for the WNBA -Who deserves Coach of the Year? -Janelle Salaün’s Sixth Player of the Year case -Shakira Austin vs. Jessica Shepard for Most Improved -Why Olivia Miles stands above the rookie class -Angel Reese vs. Sonia Citron for Defensive Player of the Year -A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell enter the MVP debate -Caitlin Clark + Kelsey Mitchell power Indiana’s historic offense -A look at the Toronto Tempo and “Setting the Tempo” Subscribe to Chiney Today for more hoops, culture and conversations from the heartbeat of basketball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Who’s the Real WNBA MVP? A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark & Kelsey Mitchell + WNBA Award Debates | Chiney Today
  5. Sep 18

    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
  6. Sep 14

    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
  7. Sep 11

    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
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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.

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