No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

he WNBA has earned a reputation as a trailblazer in LGBTQ+ inclusion, thanks to years of advocacy and evolving league culture. Zena and Layshia take a deep dive into the history of the WNBA’s support for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during Pride Month. They discuss the challenges of representation in marketing, noting that campaigns often highlight feminine identities while leaving out a broader range of LGBTQ+ experiences. The conversation also explores how Pride can be celebrated in more authentic ways that go beyond marketing and create meaningful connections with fans and players alike.

REFERENCES:

WNBA HISTORY PAGE CLIP

THIS WHO I AM COMMERICAL

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This season, the WNBA introduced developmental player roster spots for every team, creating new opportunities for emerging talent across the league. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down the intricacies of developmental player contracts and roster rules, while exploring the strategic decisions teams face when investing in player development, and spotlight some of the league's most intriguing developmental players. They also discuss why these opportunities—and the experience that comes with them—could play a critical role in shaping the future of the WNBA.

No Offseason is hosted by Zena Keita, with Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, Layshia Clarendon and Annie Costabile

It’s produced by Taneka Burrell.

Our executive producer is Andrea B. Scott.

Monica Compton is our video editor.

Our theme music is by Marcus Bagala.

Shannon Ryan is Managing Editor of Women’s Basketball at The Athletic.
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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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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WNBA All-Star voting season is here. Sabreena and Annie dive into the factors shaping this year's selections, highlighting first-time candidates, unquestioned locks, and the players fighting for the final spots. They also explore the growing competitiveness of the All-Star Game and why financial incentives have made earning a roster spot more meaningful than ever.

REFERENCES:

Trump has not extended White House invitation to 2025 WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces, team says by Annie Costabile

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com

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As the WNBA celebrates its landmark 30th season, the league's momentum has never been stronger. NBC Sports broadcaster Zora Stephenson joins Zena and Layshia for an in-depth conversation on the explosive growth of women's basketball, the unprecedented parity across the league, and what it takes to succeed in today's game.

From standout rookies and player development to the teams turning heads this season, they unpack the biggest storylines shaping the future of the WNBA. Plus, Zora takes listeners behind the scenes, sharing unique insights into what sets the WNBA apart and why the league's rise is only accelerating.

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Olivia Miles may have gone No. 2, but the Lynx are now indisputably No. 1 by Sabreena Merchant

On Angel Reese’s big night back in Chicago, everyone has moved on — except the fans by Brian Hamilton

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Coaching trees in the WNBA have had a major impact across the league’s 30-season history. In this episode, Zena and Annie explore the coaching legacies that continue to shape the game today, focusing on influential figures such as Dan Hughes, Bill Laimbeer, Cheryl Reeve, and Becky Hammon. They discuss how these coaches have left a lasting imprint on modern coaching styles, blending old-school fundamentals with contemporary strategies. The conversation also highlights how their approaches to roster building and player fit have helped define team success and evolve the way the game is coached in the WNBA.

REFERENCES:

WNBA power rankings: Can the L.A. Sparks find cohesion to reach the 2026 playoffs? by Sabreena Mercant

Liberty’s Breanna Stewart scores 30, helps New York rally past Indiana Fever by Sabreena Merchant

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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.