No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The 2026 WNBA season may be over, but there’s no shortage of decisions ahead. With free agency approaching, teams are already evaluating their rosters, weighing their options and figuring out what moves they need to make to compete in 2027. Zena, Annie and Sabreena go team by team to break down what every WNBA franchise needs most heading into next season.Plus, the crew dives into the latest women’s college basketball storylines, including Michigan’s statement win over UConn, what the early-season loss means for the Huskies, Iowa’s reliance on key players and Kentucky’s impressive start under Kenny Brooks.And to close things out, Zena puts Annie and Sabreena to the test with a round of Two Truths and a Lie.REFERENCES: No. 2 UConn women’s basketball suffers upset defeat at No. 5 Michigan by Chantel JenningsIs UConn’s early loss a sign or a wake-up call? The Huskies’ tough schedule will be revealing by Chantel JenningsWomen’s basketball top 25: How Shaq’s daughter and a WNBA draftee have Kentucky humming by Sabreena MerchantWhat’s the No. 1 offseason priority for every WNBA team? by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream may have fallen one game short of a WNBA championship, but Angel's third season was a statement. Zena is joined by senior writer Brian Hamilton to break down Angel’s statement third season, how she helped transform the Dream into championship contenders, and what’s next for one of the league’s brightest young stars. From her growth under head coach Karl Smesko to the work she's putting into rebuilding her jump shot, they dig into how far Angel has come, where she can still take her game, and what it will take for Atlanta to make another run at a title.To wrap things up, Zena and Brian discuss Unrivaled gearing up for Season 3 with a roster packed with exciting new talent, then look ahead to the must-see women’s college basketball matchups coming up this weekend.REFERENCES: Angel Reese had statement season, just not the last word in the WNBA Finals by Brian Hamilton__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Golden State Valkyries’ historic championship has us asking: Is the formula for winning a WNBA title changing? Chantel and Annie break down how the Valkyries and Atlanta Dream challenged traditional ideas about championship contenders, proving that depth, chemistry, defense and impactful role players can be just as valuable as superstar power. They also discuss the importance of strong player-coach relationships and how record-breaking viewership reflects the continued growth of women’s basketball.Plus, JuJu Watkins makes her highly anticipated return to the court. What does her comeback mean for USC’s championship aspirations? The duo also weighs in on the New York Liberty’s decision to part ways with head coach Chris DeMarco after just one season. What does this move mean for the franchise moving forward?And finally, with the WNBA’s 30th season officially in the books, we take a look back at our favorite moments from a memorable season in women’s basketball.REFERENCES: USC star JuJu Watkins dazzles in first game in 588 days, scoring 21 points in rout by Bob HarkinsNew York Liberty fire coach Chris DeMarco after 1 season by Annie CostabileWho will the New York Liberty hire at head coach to replace Chris DeMarco? 8 names to watch by Annie CostabileWNBA Finals Game 7 draws record 3.3 million viewers, most in playoff history by Emily Ohman__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can UConn and South Carolina live up to their hype, or is another team poised to crash the national championship race? Chantel and Sabreena break down the top contenders, biggest question marks, and players who could define the women’s college basketball season.The duo dives into South Carolina’s loaded roster, UConn’s experienced backcourt, and the questions surrounding USC’s talent and team chemistry. Plus, they discuss how significant roster turnover could impact Texas and UCLA, why Michigan’s returning core has plenty of potential, and whether Oklahoma State’s revamped roster could surprise this season.Finally, we look ahead to some of the season’s most intriguing early matchups that could offer a first glimpse of how the top teams stack up against one another.REFERENCES: Women's college basketball predictions: Who's making the 2026-27 Final Four? Our experts pick by Annie Costabile, Brian Hamilton, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the WNBA’s first-ever winner take all Game 7, the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream — clinching their first championship in just their second year in existence. How did they do it? Zena Keita, Annie Costabile, and very special guest — Valkyries star, Kiah Stokes — break down what happened on both sides of the ball, from Finals MVP Gabby Williams’ historic night to how the pressure of “Valkatraz” kept Angel Reese to just 8 points; plus, the impact of the vibes inside Ballhalla on a Halloween that won’t soon be forgotten - and former Golden State Warriors center, Festus Ezeli, stops by to comment on the game.REFERENCES:How did the Golden State Valkyries make history, fast-track their way to WNBA title in 2 years? by Annie Costabile and Brian Hamilton __No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The championship will be decided in Game 7! With their season on the line, the Atlanta Dream came out firing in Game 6, taking down the Golden State Valkyries 80–69 to force a winner-take-all showdown in the WNBA Finals. Zena Keita, Annie and Sabreena break down how Atlanta kept its title hopes alive and what we can expect from a historic Game 7.REFERENCES: Atlanta Dream force first WNBA Finals Game 7 by decimating Golden State Valkyries by Annie Costabile __No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Golden State Valkyries are ONE win away from a championship! Zena and Annie are LIVE from Ballhalla after Game 5 of the WNBA Finals, breaking down how Golden State took control with a dominant defensive performance and moved within reach of the title.They dive into Kia Stokes’ game-changing night, the Valkyries’ adjustments against Angel Reese, and Veronica Burton’s growing impact on both ends of the floor. Plus, what went wrong for Atlanta, and what do the Dream need to change to keep their championship hopes alive?REFERENCES: Valkyries on verge of clinching WNBA Finals title after beating Dream in Game 5 by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena and Annie break down the Golden State Valkyries’ huge Game 4 win over the Atlanta Dream to even the WNBA Finals at 2–2! After making key changes to their starting lineup, the Valkyries got back to their defensive identity, forcing 17 turnovers and finding a way to steal a win on the road.With the series tied, the momentum is up for grabs! Zena and Annie look ahead to a pivotal Game 5 back at Ballhalla and share their predictions for what’s next in this Finals showdown.REFERENCES:Valkyries switch things up, grind out Game 4 win to even WNBA Finals with Dream by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Indiana Fever are facing major changes at the top of their organization. Sabreena and Annie break down the departures of GM Amber Cox and team president Kelly Krauskopf, what the shake-up reveals about the relationship between Fever leadership and players, and the reporting behind the news.The duo also discusses the harassment Fever players have faced, the challenges of building a roster around Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston’s future in Indiana, and what these front-office changes mean for the franchise heading into a pivotal offseason. Plus, with Kelsey Mitchell’s future still a major question, what moves do the Fever need to make to keep their championship window open?REFERENCES:The Indiana Fever want a championship. Is their reputation around the WNBA in the way? by Annie Costabile and Brian HamiltonFever president Kelly Krauskopf stepping down ahead of important offseason for franchise by Brian Hamilton Amber Cox out as Indiana Fever general manager: Sources by Annie Costabile__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Atlanta Dream take a 2–1 lead in the WNBA Finals after a dominant Game 3 win over the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena. Zena and Sabreena break down Atlanta’s statement performance, the key moments that swung the game, and what the Valkyries need to do to bounce back with the series on the line. With the Dream gaining momentum, can Golden State respond in Game 4?REFERENCES:Atlanta Dream roll to Game 3 win, take a 2-1 series lead on Golden State by Sabreena Merchant__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkEmail us: [email protected] up for the No Offseason newsletter!YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseasonTikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.