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No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
A Deeper Conversation About Inclusion in Women’s Sports
Exclusionary practices in sports can have a lasting impact on athletes, communities, and the way we think about fairness, opportunity, and belonging.. To help unpack this complex and often divisive topic, Zena is joined by Dr. Anna Baeth, author of Fair Game: Trans Athletes and the Future of Sports.
Dr. Baeth takes a closer look at the conversation around trans athletes in women’s sports, addressing common questions, examining the data, and providing context around the concerns and misconceptions driving much of the debate.
But first, we start with the newest addition to the WNBA. The Cleveland Sirens have officially unveiled their team name and branding, and Zena and Sabreena take a closer look at the inspiration behind the identity, the reaction to the new look, and how Cleveland’s newest franchise connects to the legacy of the Cleveland Rockers.
REFERENCES:
Cleveland Sirens reveal name and logo as 2028 WNBA expansion team by Sabreena Merchant
Sophie Cunningham wants to put focus back on basketball: ‘What are we doing?’ by Zach Powell
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South Carolina or UConn: Who's truly No. 1?
59:07|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
How the Valkyries Defeated Atlanta to Win Their First WNBA Championship
46:58|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
WNBA Finals Headed to Historic Game 7!
52:03|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
How the Valkyries Flipped the WNBA Finals
38:43|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
Who Has the Momentum Heading Into Game 5?
24:32|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
Emergency Pod: Fever Firing GM Amber Cox
35:26|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 HamiltonFever 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
State Farm Arena Shows Out for Game 3
44:20|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
How the Dream Captured Game 2
36:41|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
Valkyries Claim Finals Game 1
35:44|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