Stay ConnectedNo Offseason is The Athletic’s show for all things women’s basketball. Hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman bring you the stories that matter the most and the insider info you need from the sport that never stops – served up alongside exclusive interviews with the biggest names in women’s hoops, from the NCAA to the WNBA and all points in between. New episodes drop Tuesday and Friday.
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Copyright: © The Athletic 2023
Zena, Sabreena, and Ben begin with a check-in on the CBA negotiations, explaining what a work stoppage and a status quo period really mean for players and the league. Then they turn to the Power Four conferences, breaking down whether the Big 12 has multiple teams capable of making a deep tournament run, what it will take to turn the ACC around, which SEC programs are on the rise, and who’s emerging as the contender for No. 2 in the Big Ten. The crew highlights the drama and challenges teams face as the season unfolds.
Plus, we reflect on our early days in journalism, sharing personal anecdotes to inspire the next generation of reporters.
REFERENCES:
WNBA, players union remain in CBA deadlock. Could a player strike or lockout happen? by Ben Pickman
LSU women’s basketball stumbled to an 0-2 SEC start. Will Kim Mulkey’s squad recover? by Sabreena Merchant
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Zena, Sabreena, and Ben kick off 2026 by recapping two wild weeks of conference play. From undefeated teams falling to surprise wins across the board, the crew breaks down their biggest takeaways from the action. Then they turn their attention to Year 2 of Unrivaled, exploring how the league has grown from its inaugural year. With new faces, bigger teams, and an added night of competition, they dig into who’s ready to shine, who’s poised to win , and how success is being defined in Year 2.
Plus, we finish strong with our Unrivaled Award Predictions!
REFERENCES:
Napheesa Collier to miss Unrivaled season and possible WNBA start after ankle surgeries by Ben Pickman
What to know about Unrivaled women’s basketball league as its second season tips off by Ben Pickman
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network
Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com
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YT: @No-Offseason
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Zena, Sabreena, and Ben wrap up the year with a celebration of women’s basketball—breaking down the top duo of 2025, standout performances, teams that showed up big, and their favorite reporting moments— before turning their attention to things to look forward to in 2026.
REFERENCES:
2025 winners vs. losers: Which women’s basketball stars deserve gifts? Who gets coal? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman
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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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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 Pickman
WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources by Ben Pickman
WNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network
Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com
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YT: @No-Offseason
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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 Pickman
Breanna Stewart open to NBA commissioner Adam Silver joining WNBA CBA talks by Denny Alfonso
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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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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 Merchant
Angel Reese says she plans to return to the Chicago Sky for third season by Sabreena Merchant
Caitlin 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
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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network
Email us: NoOffseason@theathletic.com
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YT: @No-Offseason
IG: @tanooffseason
TikTok: @no_offseason
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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
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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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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 Merchant
We’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 NoOffseason@theathletic.com
__
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
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Additional details have emerged in the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations. Zena, Sabreena, and Ben unpack the latest proposals on the table—from revenue sharing and draft combine rules to housing stipends and player welfare—that could shape the league’s future.
Next, we dive into our expansion mock draft, exploring how teams balance protecting young talent versus veterans, the challenges facing franchises like Minnesota and Las Vegas, and the impact of new coaching staffs and core designations on roster decisions.
We close things out with our Spotify Wrapped list—you won’t want to miss it!
REFERENCES:
WNBA CBA proposal includes mandatory draft combine, new revenue-sharing model: Sources by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman
WNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman
We’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 NoOffseason@theathletic.com
__
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, Ben, and Sabreena break down the latest WNBA-CBA updates, including the January 9th deadline and its impact on the offseason. They then dive into Team USA Women’s Basketball, looking ahead to the upcoming training camp and the exciting mix of new talent with the veteran stars.
Next, the crew shifts to women’s college hoops, spotlighting the Texas Longhorns' big wins over UCLA and South Carolina, LSU’s scoring streak, and Audi Crooks’ record-breaking performance.
They wrap up with thoughts on Elle Duncan’s game-changing move from ESPN to Netflix.
REFERENCES:
WNBA, players union agree to 6-week extension as CBA negotiations continue by Ben Pickman
Women’s college basketball power rankings: Texas rises behind Rori Harmon by Sabreena Merchant
Kim Mulkey, LSU set NCAA record with 8 straight 100-point games by Jordy Fee-Platt
Audi Crooks breaks own Iowa State record with 47 points on Sunday by Jordy Fee-Platt
Elle Duncan, ESPN to fully part ways with her move to Netflix: Sources by Andrew Marchand
We’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 NoOffseason@theathletic.com
__
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.
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