No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

As injuries sideline several WNBA favorites, questions confront coaches, players, and fans alike. Who are the Aces without A’Ja Wilson? Who is the ‘spark’ plug in Kelsey Plum’s absence? In today’s conversation, Sabreena and Annie discuss which teams are feeling the most impact, the players stepping up, and when to expect your favorites back in the lineup. The pair also react to government official...

Angel Reese’s offseason trade to the Dream marked a new era for the Bayou Barbie. In this episode, Zena and Sabreena welcome senior writer Brian Hamilton to discuss his piece, “Why Angel Reese is the perfect fit for the ‘Hollywood of the South’ with Atlanta Dream.” The three dive into how Reese's diverse business portfolio, brand beyond basketball, and unapologetic persona align with the city and...

Officiating in the WNBA is no stranger to criticism— especially in the aftermath of Alyssa Thomas’ upgraded foul against Caitlin Clark. In this episode, Zena and Annie evaluate the current state of officiating in the WNBA and how it reaches a balance in the historically physical league.  What do coaches and front offices think? What is the biggest flaw in officiating today? What is the soluti...

Is this the beginning of the end for Cathy Engelbert as Commissioner of the WNBA? Annie Costabile and Sabreena Merchant weigh in on her handling of the aftermath of the infamous Fever-Mercury game – why she seems to avoid the spotlight, what’s lacking in her communication skills and style, and what – or who – might come next. Also: All-Star Starters have been announced! The usual faces are in the...

The aftermath of the Fever-Mercury game continues, with Alyssa Thomas speaking out about the harassment she’s endured in the wake of her on-court skirmish with Caitlin Clark. As a result, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert finally speaks up about the incident – but is it too little too late? And what ever happened to the WNBA’s “No Space for Hate” campaign? Zena and Layshia offer their perspectives...

The discourse around Caitlin Clark has once again reached a fever pitch – and the WNBA doesn’t seem to be learning from the lessons of the past in its handling of it all.  In this nuanced and wide-ranging conversation, Zena, Annie, and Sabreena dissect the different takes swirling around the internet regarding the aftermath of last week’s physical game between the Indiana Fever and the Phoeni...

Caitlin Clark is out for Saturday night's game against the Los Angeles Sparks. We're bringing you inside the aftermath of Wednesday night's Fever-Mercury game - from Fever head coach Steph White's comments to the intricacies of what happened on the court between Caitlin Clark and Alyssa Thomas, and the eventual upgrade of the foul to Flagrant 2, plus the suspension for one game of Alyssa Thomas. A...

The WNBA's rookie class is making its mark, and Zena and Annie break down who's rising as the season heats up. They debate the leading Rookie of the Year contenders, highlight the biggest surprises, and predict which first-year players are poised for a breakout after the All-Star break. Plus, we break down the NCAA's new five-year eligibility rule and what it means for college athletes.  __ N...

Physicality has always been part of the WNBA—but where’s the line between tough competition and crossing it? Zena and Layshia unpack the league-wide conversation around physical play, breaking down recent technical fouls involving Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and others. They dive into the impact of officiating, player conduct, and sportsmanship, while exploring how the game’s physical style...

The rookies are making moves, and the all-time rankings are up for debate. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down why Azzi Fudd's decision to join Project B and Flau’jae Johnson's move to Unrivaled could shape the next chapter of their careers. Then, the trio takes on the ultimate WNBA debate, ranking the league's greatest players across 30 seasons while weighing Finals MVPs, superstar impact, and t...

The WNBA is in the midst of a breakout era, drawing unprecedented attention and momentum across the league. In this episode, Swin Cash joins Sabreena and Annie for a timely conversation on the game’s rapid evolution—from intentional pathways for hiring women coaches and Olivia Miles turning heads on the court, to her role in the WNBA’s equity stake sale and her perspective on veteran recognition p...

The 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 broa...

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 develo...

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 e...

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...

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 fund...

Several offseason acquisitions are already making their presence felt around the league. Sabreena and Annie break down why Gabby Williams is thriving in Golden State, how Jessica Shepherd has strengthened Dallas, and what’s next for Angel Reese as she settles into her evolving role in Atlanta. They also explore the importance of players embracing roles that best serve team success, as well as the...

Indiana Fever forward Monique Billings joins Zena and Layshia for an inspiring conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and her journey with the  Fever. Monique shares insights on staying true to yourself, overcoming challenges, and the importance of leadership in building strong teams. She also discusses life under the WNBA's CBA, and her transition into media and broadcasting. Through...

Expansion teams making the playoffs? Tanking in the WNBA? Coaches on the hot seat? Zena, Annie, and Sabreena are diving into their hottest early-season WNBA takes. The crew is dishing out half-baked predictions and bold declarations. Will these takes come true? Only time will tell. Until then, we're embracing the uncertainty and delivering our most unapologetic WNBA hot takes. REFERENCES:  WN...

The Phoenix Mercury’s early struggles are raising questions about their consistency, while the New York Liberty are having trouble living up to expectations. Sabreena and Annie break down the teams that are already creeping close to the panic button this early in the season, as offseason decisions begin to show their impact across the league. Injuries are also taking a toll on multiple teams, shif...

The recent roster changes by Portland Fire have sparked a larger conversation about whether the WNBA is increasingly prioritizing international talent in team-building decisions. Zena and Layshia  break down the Fire’s controversial roster moves while examining the broader issues of race, identity, and representation across the league. The duo also explores the impact of racial dynamics in ro...

From the business behind the WNBA to the culture shaping the future of the game, Zena, Annie, and Sabreena break down the developmental player system, the challenges of dual ownership structures, and what truly defines effective coaching—from team execution to player buy-in and locker room dynamics. The conversation also dives into the WNBA’s continued growth, the impact of NBA resources on the le...

As the WNBA continues to expand and evolve, more international players are setting their sights on the league. Sabreena and Annie dive into the impact of global talent on the WNBA and explore how franchises are adapting their scouting strategies to find the next generation of international stars. The duo also takes a look at the international players already making noise across the WNBA and the im...

What does it really mean to be “league ready”? Is it strictly about talent and production, or does it go deeper than that? Zena and Layshia break down the concept of being “league ready” in the WNBA and what teams are truly looking for in young players entering the next level. They also dive into the performances of Olivia Miles, Flau'jae Johnson, and other standout prospects from the 2026 rookie...

The early-season conversation around officiating in the WNBA has quickly escalated into bigger questions surrounding injury concerns, player protection, and the league’s effort to balance physical play, freedom of movement, and consistency from game to game. Zena, Annie and Sabreena break down how the league is responding, including the implementation of an officiating task force aimed at improvin...