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. 1d ago

    WNBA Finals Preview: Angel Reese vs. Gabby Williams, Dream vs. Valkyries + Keys to Victory | Chiney Today

    The stage is set for the 2026 WNBA Finals! 🏆 For the first time in franchise history, either the Atlanta Dream or Golden State Valkyries will be crowned WNBA champions. But who has the edge? Chiney Ogwumike is joined by two special guests making their Chiney Today debuts to get you ready for the Finals, tipping off this Saturday! Atlanta Dream sideline reporter Autumn Johnson and ESPN's Golden State Valkyries Reporter Kendra Andrews go coast to coast to break down each team's path to the championship, the showdown between Angel Reese and Gabby Williams, and the X-factors that could decide the series. Plus, Chiney dives into the tape for a full film breakdown of the Dream and Valkyries' regular-season matchups, highlighting the plays, players, and adjustments that could determine who takes home the trophy! IN THIS EPISODE: -Dream vs. Valkyries! Who Will Win Their First WNBA Championship? -Angel Reese's Evolution Has Atlanta Dreaming of a Title -Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and DeWanna Bonner Key to Atlanta's Success -Allisha Gray's Injury Status Raises Questions Ahead of WNBA Finals -Angel Reese vs. Gabby Williams Headlines Defensive Showdown -Atlanta Dream Move WNBA Finals Games to State Farm Arena -Golden State Valkyries Chase Championship in Just Their Second Season -Gabby Williams Emerges as Golden State's Two-Way Superstar -Natalie Nakase's Defensive System and the Valkyries' Secret Weapon -Golden State's Bench Depth Could Decide the WNBA Finals -Chiney Breaks Down the Plays That Could Decide Dream vs. Valkyries Subscribe to Chiney Today for more basketball analysis, player interviews, and conversations at the intersection of hoops and culture- the Heartbeat of Hoops! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    WNBA Finals Preview: Angel Reese vs. Gabby Williams, Dream vs. Valkyries + Keys to Victory | Chiney Today
  2. 6d ago

    WNBA Finals Set! Angel Reese & Dream Manifest PERFECTION, Valkyries Sweep Reigning Champion Aces | Chiney Today

    BRING OUT THE BROOMS! 🧹🏀 The WNBA Finals are SET, and the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are heading to the Finals after two stunning semifinal sweeps! On this special episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike is joined by her friend and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph (JayJo) to break down an unforgettable night of WNBA playoff basketball! Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are headed to their first WNBA Finals since 2013 after sweeping the New York Liberty! Chiney and JayJo discuss Angel's impact on Atlanta, her improved three-point shooting, Jordin Canada's outstanding postseason, and how DeWanna Bonner helped the Dream overcome injuries to reach the championship stage. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries make history in just their SECOND season as a franchise! After sweeping A'ja Wilson and the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces, Golden State heads to its first WNBA Finals. Chiney breaks down Gabby Williams' emergence, Kiah Stokes' incredible defense against A'ja Wilson, and Head Coach Natalie Nakase's game plan against her former team. Plus, is the Aces dynasty over? And which team has what it takes to win its first WNBA championship? IN THIS EPISODE: -Two Sweeps! Dream and Valkyries Advance to WNBA Finals -Angel Reese's Dog Factor Powers the Atlanta Dream -Story Behind Reese's Three-Point Shooting Evolution -Jordin Canada and DeWanna Bonner Step Up for Atlanta -New York Liberty Swept! What Went Wrong for Stewie and Sabrina Ionescu? -Angel Reese Manifested Her WNBA Finals Moment -Golden State Valkyries Sweep the Defending Champion Aces in Year Two -Natalie Nakase's Game Plan and Kiah Stokes' Defense on A'ja Wilson -Gabby Williams Emerges as Golden State's Star -Is the Las Vegas Aces Dynasty in Trouble? Subscribe for more basketball analysis, player interviews, and conversations at the intersection of hoops and culture on Chiney Today, the Heartbeat of Hoops! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    WNBA Finals Set! Angel Reese & Dream Manifest PERFECTION, Valkyries Sweep Reigning Champion Aces | Chiney Today
  3. Oct 8

    Liberty's Timeout Controversy, Angel Reese Dominates + Aces SWEEP ALERT | Chiney Today

    The New York Liberty had a timeout remaining... so why didn't they use it?! 😳 After a controversial overtime finish to Game 2 against the Atlanta Dream, Breanna Stewart and the Liberty are left searching for answers as Angel Reese, Jordin Canada, and Atlanta take a commanding 2-0 lead in the WNBA Semifinals. Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries have the defending champs, the Las Vegas Aces, on their heels! Are A'ja Wilson and the Aces maxed out, or can they turn things around at home before it's too late? In this reaction episode, Chiney Ogwumike is happy to be joined by seasoned ESPN producer Demetrius Harris to break down the controversial final possession, the star power on display in the semis, the Dream's impressive defense, the Valkyries' winning formula, and whether BOTH defending champions could be headed for a semifinal sweep. In This Episode: -Liberty's controversial timeout mistake leaves everyone stunned -Angel Reese and Dream take a commanding 2-0 series lead -Jordin Canada steps up BIG for Atlanta -Angel Reese puts the clamps on all of New York's stars -What the Liberty need to fix to avoid elimination -Valkyries push Aces to the brink of a semi sweep -Are A'ja Wilson and the Aces running out of gas? -Gabby Williams and Tiffany Hayes shine for Golden State -Can BOTH defending champions avoid getting swept? -Player of the Night... THE REFS?! Subscribe to Chiney Today for more basketball analysis, WNBA coverage, and conversations from the heartbeat of hoops! 🏀 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Liberty's Timeout Controversy, Angel Reese Dominates + Aces SWEEP ALERT | Chiney Today
  4. Oct 5

    Angel Reese Shows Why She’s DPOY + Dream & Valkyries Strike First in WNBA Semifinals | Chiney Today

    The WNBA semifinals are here, and Game 1 delivered! Chiney Ogwumike and Ashanti Plummer break down the Atlanta Dream’s statement win over the New York Liberty, including Angel Reese showing exactly why she earned Defensive Player of the Year moments after being presented with the award, DeWanna Bonner's playoff experience on display, Jordin Canada’s huge two-way playoff performance, and what New York needs to fix to win Game 2.  Then Chiney and Ashanti head West, where the Golden State Valkyries stunned the Las Vegas Aces behind a dominant rebounding performance led by Kiah Stokes’ defense of A’ja Wilson and another big performance from Gabby Williams. Chiney also shares what could become a real concern for Las Vegas as the 5-game series continues.  Plus, Chiney tells two hilarious untold stories about the first time she had to guard her sister, Nneka Ogwumike, in the WNBA and at Stanford. In This Episode: 🏆 Angel Reese shows exactly why she won DPOY 🔥 Jordin Canada reaches FLOW STATE against New York 🗽 What the Liberty need to fix to win Game 2 💪 Golden State dominates Las Vegas on the glass 🔒 Kiah Stokes locks in on A’ja Wilson ⭐ Gabby Williams continues superstar rise with playoff double-double 👀 Are the Aces’ depth issues becoming a real concern? 😂 Chiney tells the story of guarding Nneka for the first time 🎯 Player, Play & Moment of the Night Subscribe to Chiney Today for more WNBA playoff coverage, basketball breakdowns, and conversations from the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Angel Reese Shows Why She’s DPOY + Dream & Valkyries Strike First in WNBA Semifinals | Chiney Today
  5. Sep 30

    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
  6. Sep 29

    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
  7. 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
4.8
out of 5
42 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.

More From ESPN

You Might Also Like