No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

We’re diving into the mailbag to tackle your biggest questions about women’s basketball. What lies ahead for the CBA negotiations? How can fans show their support for WNBA players? What’s the connection between NCAAW programs and WNBA coaches? And which college teams that haven’t been to the NCAA Tournament in a while are poised for a turnaround? Tune in for all this, plus insights and takes you won’t want to miss!REFERENCES:2025 WNBA free agency: Which players could make the biggest moves? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben PickmanWNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources by Ben PickmanWNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBPA has authorized its executive committee to call for a strike “when necessary” amid ongoing CBA negotiations. Sabreena and Ben break down what the authorization means, the league’s response, and how perceptions of fairness in negotiations can differ from each side.Then, new Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez sits down with the duo to talk about the evolution of college basketball, his vision for the Wings, and the thrill of coaching elite talent like Paige Bueckers.Later, Zena joins the conversation to discuss what we’ve learned about Coach Fernandez and the expectations surrounding the Wings this season.Finally, we close with Set Your Screens.REFERENCES: WNBPA authorizes executive committee to call for strike ‘when necessary’ amid CBA talks by Sabreena Merchant and Ben PickmanBreanna Stewart open to NBA commissioner Adam Silver joining WNBA CBA talks by Denny Alfonso__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben dig into the latest in the WNBA’s CBA talks, focusing on revenue sharing, before shifting to Team USA training camp and Caitlin Clark’s return to the court. From there, they explore the idea of player loans in NCAA basketball—how it might work, who could benefit, what it could mean for draft stock and teams looking to get over the hump.We wrap up with a fun look at sports catchphrases and nicknames that have caught our attention and shaped branding and marketing across the sports world.REFERENCES:Caitlin Clark makes Team USA debut at camp, says she’s back to full health by Sabreena MerchantAngel Reese says she plans to return to the Chicago Sky for third season by Sabreena MerchantCaitlin Clark stresses importance of salvaging 2026 WNBA season in CBA negotiations by Sabreena Merchant WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources by Ben Pickman__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena react to A’ja Wilson being named Time’s 2025 Athlete of the Year and the impact that recognition has on her and the WNBA. Then they get into the New York Liberty introducing their new head coach, Chris DeMarco, and what his plan and coaching style could bring to the team. After that, Sonia Raman stops by to share her unconventional journey into basketball—from her early influences as a fan, to her coaching experience at MIT and with the Memphis Grizzlies, to her transition into the WNBA. She also reflects on the opportunity to coach generational talent Dominique Malonga.Finally, we wrap things up with a hypothetical WNBA player comeback.REFERENCES: A’ja Wilson after Time’s Athlete of the Year honor: ‘On my way’ to GOAT status by Devon Henderson __No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben recap the weekend in the Association, discussing matchups like USC vs. Washington and UCLA vs. Oregon, and breaking down the ACC/SEC Challenge.They then dive into the ACC’s competitive landscape, Big 12 standouts, Big Ten competition, and SEC dominance, highlighting key players such as Audi Crooks and Olivia Miles, as well as programs like Maryland, Iowa, and Michigan—while offering predictions for this year’s tournament season.They cap it all off with their fun game: She Traveled!REFERENCES: Women’s college basketball power rankings: Duke, NC State losses raise ACC questions by Sabreena MerchantWe’re putting together a couple of mailbag episodes! Got thoughts or questions about the CBA? Curious about college hoops? Send them our way — we want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at [email protected] Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.