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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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