No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The WNBA playoffs have delivered some surprises, but what do the early exits of the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty mean for their futures? Annie is joined by Rachel DeMita, host of Courtside Club, to break down the biggest postseason storylines and what comes next for two teams with championship aspirations. Then, they turn to the Indiana Fever and the critical offseason decisions ahead: How should Indiana build around its core, what does Kelsey Mitchell’s future look like, and what must the franchise prioritize to take the next step?
Finally, they look ahead to the WNBA Finals matchup between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, breaking down the key players and strategies that could decide who wins it all.
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The WNBA Finals are set, and the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream are proving there’s a different path to winning a championship than we’ve seen in previous seasons. Chantel and Sabreena break down the playoff runs that brought these two teams to the Finals, from Atlanta’s sweep of the New York Liberty to Golden State’s stunning upset of the defending champions Las Vegas Aces.
Plus, what did the Liberty’s Big Three reveal with their reactions to questions about their coach? How will the Aces approach roster construction this offseason? And why is searching the globe for talent worth it?
They also discuss Atlanta’s venue controversy, Allisha Gray’s injury status and what it could mean for the Dream’s championship hopes, plus how the Valkyries are changing the timeline for success in the WNBA.

REFERENCES:
Atlanta Dream headed to first WNBA Finals since 2013, eliminate New York Liberty by Annie Costabile and Chantel Jennings
Angel Reese is WNBA’s last young star standing — just as she manifested by Chantel Jennings
Welcome to a new era of the WNBA, courtesy of Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream by Brian Hamilton
Valkyries defense shifted into high gear to sweep the Aces, advance to WNBA Finals by Marcus Thompson II
WNBA Finals predictions: Valkyries or Dream? Our experts make their picks by Annie Costabile, Chantel Jennings, Brian Hamilton and Marcus Thompson II
After playoff elimination, Liberty players’ silence on coach Chris DeMarco speaks volumes by Annie Costabile
WNBA Finals questions: Do Valkyries or Dream have the defensive edge? Will Gray be back? by Chantel Jennings
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No team in WNBA history has ever come back from an 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five series. Chantel is joined by senior columnist Marcus Thompson II to break down the Aces and Liberty facing that exact challenge heading into Game 3. Can either team flip the script and keep its season alive?
They also dive into the Valkyries’ rise and Gabby Williams’ impact, asking whether Golden State is showing the WNBA a new way to win a championship—without relying on one superstar. Plus, how is Atlanta finding ways to win without leading scorer Allisha Gray?
Finally, we wrap things up with Annie catching up with internet sensation Coach Jackie about her new podcast, Is She Game?

REFERENCES:

Atlanta Dream take 2-0 semifinals lead against New York Liberty by Annie Costabile

The Liberty didn’t call a reset timeout late in OT. Now they’re in an 0-2 hole by Chantel Jennings

Breanna Stewart unhappy with officiating after Game 2 OT loss: ‘It’s pretty frustrating’ by Annie Costabile

Valkyries take Game 2 for 2-0 semifinals lead, can clinch first finals berth in Las Vegas by Sabreena Merchant

For relentless Natalie Nakase, rest was the recharge the Valkyries required by Brian Hamilton

Veronica Burton’s gutsy shot shows why Valkyries have defending champs on ropes by Marcus Thompson II
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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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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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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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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

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