No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

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 PickmanBreanna Stewart open to NBA commissioner Adam Silver joining WNBA CBA talks by Denny Alfonso

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 MerchantAngel Reese says she plans to return to the Chicago Sky for third season by Sabreena MerchantCaitlin 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

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 

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 MerchantWe’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

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 PickmanWNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben PickmanWe’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

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 PickmanWomen’s college basketball power rankings: Texas rises behind Rori Harmon by Sabreena MerchantKim 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 MarchandWe’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

Dallas snagged the top pick—now the real decisions begin. Zena, Ben, and Sabreena kick things off with the New York Liberty’s set to hire Chris DeMarco as their next head coach, unpacking what it means and the ripple effect it could have on coaching diversity across the league. Then they break down one of the season’s best showdowns: UConn vs. Michigan. From there, it’s all WNBA Draft talk—how the lottery works, the top prospects to watch, and the delicate balance between filling immediate needs and betting on long-term upside.And to close it out, a Thanksgiving twist: pairing our favorite holiday dishes with the players whose games match them best.REFERENCES: Liberty hire Warriors’ assistant Chris DeMarco as franchise’s new coach: Sources by Sabreena MerchantUConn survives its toughest test after challenge from Michigan by Ben PickmanDallas Wings win WNBA Draft Lottery for second straight year: Who will join Paige Bueckers? by Ben Pickman2026 WNBA mock draft: Who will Dallas Wings take with No. 1 pick? by Sabreena Merchant Don't sleep on Michigan: Women's college basketball power rankings by Ben PickmanWe’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

Big money, big moves, big debates. Zena, Ben, and Sabreena unpack the WNBA’s proposed salary increase—potentially exceeding $1.1 million—and what it means for the ongoing CBA negotiations, from revenue sharing to prioritization rules and the core system. They also dive into Project B, the emerging global women’s league aiming to offer the highest average salaries in the sport.Then the crew breaks down the 2024 vs. 2025 WNBA rookie classes and debates who would win in a game to 21. And finally, they wrap up with where you should be setting your screens this weekend.REFERENCES: WNBA proposes max salary above $1.1 million in latest proposal to players union: Sources by Ben PickmanWe’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.comWe want to hear from you! Take a minute to fill out our quick listener survey and tell us what you think about the show. Your feedback helps us grow! Check out our show survey here: No Offseason listener survey

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena are back and diving into all the latest around the association! They discuss Sarah Strong and UConn’s impressive depth, Marta Suárez’s huge impact in TCU’s win over NC State, and South Carolina already settling into its identity. They also spotlight other storylines—including Duke’s concerning offensive issues and the rise of mid-majors like Richmond.Then it’s on to the big question: What makes for a great women’s sports city? They dig into the factors that make certain cities hotspots for women’s sports and highlight emerging markets that could crack a top-10 list.And to close things out, they debut a brand-new segment: “A Penny for Your Thoughts.”REFERENCES: Women’s college basketball power rankings: What makes TCU a top-10 team? by Sabreena Merchant Shorthanded West Virginia women upset No. 15 Duke after melee triggers 7 ejections by Denny AlfonsoIs UConn even more dominant than last season’s national championship team? By Ben PickmanFresh faces help South Carolina win battle for ‘The Real SC’ over USC: Takeaways by Sabreena MerchantThe Athletic's: Top 10 Women’s Sports Cites fan pollWe’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.comWe want to hear from you! Take a minute to fill out our quick listener survey and tell us what you think about the show. Your feedback helps us grow! Check out our show survey here: No Offseason listener survey