No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

We're at the midpoint of the WNBA season, which means it's time to hand out our midseason awards. From MVP and Most Improved Player to Coach of the Year, Sixth Player of the Year, and even Press Conference of the Year, Zena and Sabreena make the case for the league's top contenders. They discuss who's leading each race, who's making a late push, and which awards are still wide open.

The duo also dives into the NCAA's proposed move to seed the top 16 teams in the women's basketball tournament, breaking down how the changes would reshape the bracket and how they differ from last season's format.

Plus, have you noticed all the early morning WNBA tipoffs? Zena and Sabreena explain why they're happening and what they mean for players, fans, and the league.

REFERENCES:

Our MVP, and other midseason awards. Plus: Change is coming in L.A. by Annie Costabile and Sabreena Merchant

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The Los Angeles Sparks surprised the WNBA world Sunday with a midseason move to “part ways” with general manager Raegan Pebley. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena unpack the reasoning and timing of this decision and what this means for the rest of the Sparks’ 2026 season. What is Kelsey Plum’s future approaching the trade deadline? How will the Sparks’ front office function going forward?

The trio also break down game action from this past weekend and the results that led to dramatic changes in Sabreena’s Scale.

Plus: What’s the craziest reason you’ve missed work? Zena and Sabreena surprise Annie with an all-time calendar conflict.

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7441836/2026/07/13/wnba-power-rankings-toronto-tempo-canada/

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7440952/2026/07/12/raegan-pebley-los-angeles-sparks/

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

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As injuries sideline several WNBA favorites, questions confront coaches, players, and fans alike. Who are the Aces without A’Ja Wilson? Who is the ‘spark’ plug in Kelsey Plum’s absence?

In today’s conversation, Sabreena and Annie discuss which teams are feeling the most impact, the players stepping up, and when to expect your favorites back in the lineup. The pair also react to government officials’ plea to the WNBA to protect Caitlin Clark.

Bonus: get ready to set your screen. Sabreena and Annie tell you what to watch this weekend.

References:

https://rsc-pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases/rsc-chairman-pfluger-leads-letter-wnba-demanding-accountability-over-unfair

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
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Angel Reese’s offseason trade to the Dream marked a new era for the Bayou Barbie. In this episode, Zena and Sabreena welcome senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “Why Angel Reese is the perfect fit for the ‘Hollywood of the South’ with Atlanta Dream.” The three dive into how Reese's diverse business portfolio, brand beyond basketball, and unapologetic persona align with the city and team’s vision.

Can Angel Reese be the next face of the Atlanta Dream franchise?

Also, the trio further unpacks the implications of Skylar Diggins’ Instagram stories, Chicago’s history of breeding conflict, and her future with the Sky.

Plus: the crew’s thoughts on the twelve All-Star Reserves. Who surprised— and who was snubbed?

References:

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/sports/angel-reese-atlanta-dream-homegrown-collection/

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
TikTok: @no_offseason
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Officiating in the WNBA is no stranger to criticism— especially in the aftermath of Alyssa Thomas’ upgraded foul against Caitlin Clark. In this episode, Zena and Annie evaluate the current state of officiating in the WNBA and how it reaches a balance in the historically physical league. What do coaches and front offices think? What is the biggest flaw in officiating today? What is the solution going forward?

Also, the duo shares what has caught their eyes halfway through the WNBA season, the implications of Skylar Diggins’ Instagram stories, and which teams are trending up in the Sabreena Scale.

References:

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7423584/2026/07/06/wnba-referees-officiating-issues-offseason-task-force/

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/01/wnba-referees-controversy-finals

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!

YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
TikTok: @no_offseason
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.