No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

What’s next for Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever? Brian Hamilton and Candace Buckner break down Cunningham’s season, the controversy surrounding the Fever, and how it has impacted the team.
They also dive into what it takes to build the right supporting cast around Caitlin Clark, including Kelsey Mitchell’s future, player personalities, the pressure of playing alongside a superstar and the challenges that come with the Fever’s massive spotlight. Plus, what should Indiana prioritize as it looks to build a team capable of competing at the highest level?

REFERENCES:
Fever should part with Sophie Cunningham. She’s too turbulent to be paired with Caitlin Clark by Candace Buckner
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Game 2 is here, and the pressure is on! After Atlanta and Golden State landed the first punches in the semifinals, the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces now face a must-answer situation on the road. Chantel, Annie and Sabreena break down what’s at stake as New York and Las Vegas look to steal a road win and even their respective series. Can either team flip the momentum, or will Atlanta and Golden State protect home court?
Before diving into Game 2, the trio discuss Napheesa Collier’s uncertain future with the Lynx following Minnesota’s early playoff exit. Could Napheesa explore other options this offseason? Then, they turn to Kelsey Mitchell’s experience with the Indiana Fever, exploring the contrast between her on-court success and the challenges she continues to face from fans online — and how those experiences may be shaping the way she approaches free agency and her desire to put herself first.
To wrap things up, we make out Game 2 predictions and break down the biggest matchups that could determine who takes control of the semifinals.

REFERENCES:
Napheesa Collier’s early playoff exit means her offseason dilemma starts now by Chantel Jennings

Kelsey Mitchell counters Fever GM’s defense of fans, vows to ‘be selfish’ in free agency by Devon Henderson

NBA hires search firm to identify Cathy Engelbert’s replacement as WNBA commissioner: Sources by Annie Costabile

Without injured Allisha Gray, Dream power to Game 1 semifinal win over Liberty by Annie Costabile

A late addition to the Dream, 17-year WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner looks like the key by Chantel Jennings

Valkyries’ Gabby Williams shines in Game 1 WNBA semifinals defeat of Aces by Sabreena Merchant

Golden State Valkyries flex their depth to expose Aces’ flaws in Game 1 of WNBA semifinals by Marcus Thompson II
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The first round ends with two wild winner-take-all games, and Zena and Sabreena are breaking it all down. They react to the Valkyries eliminating the Wings in a thrilling Game 3 at Ballhalla, then turn to Las Vegas, where the Aces took down the Fever to punch their ticket to the semifinals. From there, it’s all about what’s next. The duo previews both semifinal matchups — Aces vs. Valkyries and Liberty vs. Dream — diving into the key matchups, biggest questions and X-factors to watch as the next round gets underway.

REFERENCES:
Golden State Valkyries advance to first semifinals, setting up showdown with Aces by Sabreena Merchant
A’ja Wilson, Aces advance as Caitlin Clark, Fever fall short in playoffs by Sabreena Merchant
Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year by Sabreena Merchant
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The first-round Game 2s delivered drama, overtime and sweeps. Zena along with James Boyd break down everything you need to know, from the Wings’ overtime battle and the Fever forcing a decisive Game 3 against the Aces to the Liberty sweeping the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx and the Dream taking down a young and talented Mystics team. Plus, they unpack the biggest storylines and what’s next for the teams still fighting for a spot in the semifinals.

REFERENCES:

A’ja Wilson, Aces frazzled and frustrated in Fever loss. In Game 3, they must reclaim their identity by Brian Hamilton
A’ja Wilson confronts courtside fan, receives technical during Aces-Fever playoff game by James Boyd
Liberty become first No. 8 seed to beat No. 1 seed in WNBA playoffs, eliminate Lynx by Annie Costabile
WNBA playoffs results, takeaways: Dream ‘old head’ leads team to semis for 1st time since 2018 by Sabreena Merchant
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She’s a full-fledged celebrity. A cultural phenomenon. And a mirror to society through sports. Everyone– from journalists to fans to political pundits– have an opinion on who Caitlin Clark is and what is expected of her.
But, has anyone actually asked Clark herself?
In this episode, Chantel welcomes senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “Can the WNBA’s biggest star just play basketball? Let’s ask Caitlin Clark.” The pair unpacks Clark’s role in advocacy, outside pressure placed on her, and what her day-to-day life actually looks like.
But first: Zena, Sabreena, and Chantel break down all the action from Sunday’s four playoff matchups. From A’Ja Wilson’s historic performance to veterans stepping up for several squads, the crew provides their analysis on each opening contest and what to expect in the final games of round one.

REFERENCES:
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7626435/2026/09/25/caitlin-clark-profile-wnba-basketball-gardening/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7633515/2026/09/27/aja-wilson-vegas-aces-wnba-playoffs/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7632770/2026/09/27/wnba-playoffs-results-takeaways-scores-first-round/
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