No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 Hamilton Fever 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 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.

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 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.

The Atlanta Dream strikes back! After dropping Game 1, Atlanta wins Game 2 on the road to even the WNBA Finals at 1-1. Zena and Annie break down what went wrong for the Golden State Valkyries, how the Dream built momentum, and the key adjustments that helped Atlanta bounce back. With the series now tied and shifting to Atlanta, what can each team take away from Game 2 heading into a pivotal Game 3? REFERENCES: Atlanta Dream dominate Golden State Valkyries for WNBA Finals Game 2 win by Annie Costabile __ 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.

Game 1 goes to the Golden State Valkyries! Zena and Sabreena break down the series opener, share their reactions, and analyze what worked for both teams, where they fell short, and what each side can take away heading into Game 2 of the WNBA Finals. REFERENCES: Golden State Valkyries hold on for WNBA Finals Game 1 victory over Atlanta Dream by Annie Costabile __ 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.

The WNBA Finals are here, and the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are ready for a championship showdown! Chantel, Annie and Sabreena preview the Finals series between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, breaking down the biggest storylines, including the Dream’s move to State Farm Arena, Angel Reese’s impact, and how these two teams have forged their own paths to success. Which team has the edge? The crew breaks down the key matchups that could decide the series, from the battle in the paint and on the boards to defensive strategies, controlling the pace, and the coaching chess match. Plus, they spotlight the players to watch and share their predictions for who will be crowned WNBA champions. Plus, the crew gets into the Halloween spirit by revealing their costumes ahead of Halloween! REFERENCES: Atlanta Dream change playoff date, time to host finals games at State Farm Arena by Chantel Jennings WNBA Finals matchup: Can Dream score on Valkyries' defense? Is Jordin Canada the X-factor? by Sabreena Merchant __ 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.

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. __ 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.

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 __ 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.

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 __ 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.

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 __ 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.

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 __ 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.

The first round ends with two wild winner-take-all games, and Zena and Sabreena are breaking it all down. They react to the Valkyries eliminating the Wings in a thrilling Game 3 at Ballhalla, then turn to Las Vegas, where the Aces took down the Fever to punch their ticket to the semifinals. From there, it’s all about what’s next. The duo previews both semifinal matchups — Aces vs. Valkyries and Liberty vs. Dream — diving into the key matchups, biggest questions and X-factors to watch as the next round gets underway. REFERENCES: Golden State Valkyries advance to first semifinals, setting up showdown with Aces by Sabreena Merchant A’ja Wilson, Aces advance as Caitlin Clark, Fever fall short in playoffs by Sabreena Merchant Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year by Sabreena Merchant __ 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.

The first-round Game 2s delivered drama, overtime and sweeps. Zena along with James Boyd break down everything you need to know, from the Wings’ overtime battle and the Fever forcing a decisive Game 3 against the Aces to the Liberty sweeping the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx and the Dream taking down a young and talented Mystics team. Plus, they unpack the biggest storylines and what’s next for the teams still fighting for a spot in the semifinals. REFERENCES: A’ja Wilson, Aces frazzled and frustrated in Fever loss. In Game 3, they must reclaim their identity by Brian Hamilton A’ja Wilson confronts courtside fan, receives technical during Aces-Fever playoff game by James Boyd Liberty become first No. 8 seed to beat No. 1 seed in WNBA playoffs, eliminate Lynx by Annie Costabile WNBA playoffs results, takeaways: Dream ‘old head’ leads team to semis for 1st time since 2018 by Sabreena Merchant __ 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.

She’s a full-fledged celebrity. A cultural phenomenon. And a mirror to society through sports. Everyone– from journalists to fans to political pundits– have an opinion on who Caitlin Clark is and what is expected of her. But, has anyone actually asked Clark herself? In this episode, Chantel welcomes senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “Can the WNBA’s biggest star just play basketball? Let’s ask Caitlin Clark.” The pair unpacks Clark’s role in advocacy, outside pressure placed on her, and what her day-to-day life actually looks like. But first: Zena, Sabreena, and Chantel break down all the action from Sunday’s four playoff matchups. From A’Ja Wilson’s historic performance to veterans stepping up for several squads, the crew provides their analysis on each opening contest and what to expect in the final games of round one. REFERENCES: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7626435/2026/09/25/caitlin-clark-profile-wnba-basketball-gardening/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7633515/2026/09/27/aja-wilson-vegas-aces-wnba-playoffs/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7632770/2026/09/27/wnba-playoffs-results-takeaways-scores-first-round/ __ 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.

The WNBA playoff seeding is finally set! Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile are LIVE to preview Round One of the 2026 WNBA playoffs. How will the Wings fare against the Valkyries? What adjustments will the Lynx make for the Liberty? And how might A'ja vs Caitlin play out? Sabreena and Annie break it all down to get you ready before the games start on Sunday. __ 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.

The end of the regular season is upon us, which means it is time give out accolades for the 2026 WNBA season. Annie joins Zena and Sabreena to unpack how the votes shook out for several categories. Does A’Ja Wilson repeat as MVP? Who deserves Defensive Player of the Year? Plus, Zena and Sabreena break down what you need to know about postseason seeding and which games to keep an eye on during the last night of the regular season. And to wrap things up, Zena and Sabreena share their takeaways from The Athletic’s All-WNBA first and second teams. Find out who headlines the list— and who didn’t make the cut. References: What’s still at stake in the WNBA regular season. Plus: Lisa Leslie gets the statue treatment - The Athletic __ 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.