No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

There was no shortage of women’s hoops news this weekend!Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick things off with the news of Breanna Stewart signing with a EuroLeague Women team and what it means as she plans to join after Unrivaled. Then they break down Adam Silver’s latest comments on the WNBA CBA negotiations. From there, the crew shares their thoughts on Unrivaled’s 1-on-1 tournament final and the league’s plan to add a postseason tour stop.Next, we take a look at the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee’s Top 16 reveal and what it signals about the selection process and evaluation criteria.Afterwards, it’s all about the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball. The trio breaks down how the Gamecocks have navigated challenges this season, highlighting the team’s flexibility as a defining strength. They discuss a frontcourt that has exceeded expectations despite key absences, the pivotal contributions of Raven Johnson, Joyce Edwards, and Madina Okot, the impact of new additions, and Dawn Staley’s masterful in-game adjustments. They also examine South Carolina’s reimagining following last season’s title loss — and whether a return to the championship game is within reach.To close things out, we wrap up with a fun, Dawn Staley–inspired game.REFERENCES: Adam Silver ‘not ready to set a drop-dead date’ on CBA negotiations with WNBPA by Sabreena MerchantUnrivaled schedules postseason games in New York following Philadelphia success by Sabreena MerchantBreanna Stewart signing with EuroLeague team, will join after Unrivaled by Sabreena MerchantWomen’s college basketball power rankings: South Carolina flexes its SEC dominance by Sabreena MerchantDRIVING; My Life, My Mercedes CL500 by Dawn Staley

Zena and Sabreena discuss the ongoing CBA negotiations, highlighting recent updates and the potential for a player strike. They then shift to Angel Reese’s return to the Rose Basketball Club and the exciting on-court action in the Unrivaled one-on-one tournament.From there, they dive into the upcoming WNBA Draft, exploring the rise of international prospects, the potential impact of an expansion draft, and the chance for a historic UCLA presence in this year’s class. They weigh the pros and cons of drafting overseas talent, examine the class’s overall depth, and assess top prospects, breaking down what makes them stand out — and where they still need growth.Plus, we tell you where to set your screens this weekend.REFERENCES: Angel Reese will join Unrivaled for remainder of season, reunite with Rose BC by Sabreena MerchantWNBA mock draft: Lauren Betts leads five first-round picks from UCLA by Sabreena Merchant

Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick off their discussion with the unveiling of Unviraled’s 1-on-1 tournament bracket. They highlight what fans can look forward to and share their predictions on who might come out on top.Next, the crew dives deep into UCLA’s surge in the Big Ten, breaking down roster changes, the impact of transfers, and why this season feels so urgent. They also explore how NIL has shaped the team, how the players have stayed together, and how UCLA is viewed nationally, ending with a look at their potential WNBA draft prospects.The conversation wraps up with a fun game of Start, Bench, Cut.REFERENCES: Duke’s season turnaround is official after taking down No. 6 Louisville by Sabreena MerchantWomen’s college basketball rankings: Tennessee’s troubling tumble, Texas impresses by Sabreena Merchant

Sabreena and Chantel kick things off with the latest on CBA talks following this week’s meeting between the league and the players’ union. With little coming out of the meeting, they discuss what it means for WNBA free agency, the expansion draft, and the league’s hopes of starting the season on time.From there, bracketologist Eden Laase joins the duo to break down the concept of “bubble teams”— those fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. They explore why signature wins matter, how conference schedules shape resumes, and which teams to keep an eye on as the season winds down. Eden provides insights into the challenges faced by mid-major teams and the fluctuating nature of rankings as the tournament approaches.Lastly, we wrap things up with a matching exercise where we pair women's basketball players with an olympic sport.REFERENCES: A question for WNBA, players union during CBA talks: Where’s the urgency? by Sabreena Merchant Women’s basketball bubble watch: Will Iowa State make the tournament? by Eden Laase

Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena take a look around women’s college basketball, kicking off their conversations with UCLA’s impressive run in the Big Ten, UConn’s resilience against Tennessee, and the excitement of a thrilling rivalry game between Michigan and Michigan State.Then, we dive into some of our favorite moments from the college season—like which on-court duo runs the best pick-and-roll, whose team defense you absolutely don’t want to face, and which player you’d trust with the final shot. These are the moments that make us stop and ask: which would we rather have?Finally, we wrap things up by answering a question from one of their listeners.REFERENCES: Women’s college basketball rankings: Iowa, TCU, Maryland slip after injuries by Sabreena MerchantUConn’s undefeated quest in women’s basketball embodies chase for total perfection by Chantel Jennings

Big moves in women’s basketball! Caitlin Clark joins NBC Sports for Basketball Night in America — Zena, Chantel and Sabreena break down all elite basketball IQ and competitive insight she’ll bring to the broadcast. Then, Unrivaled hits Philadelphia, making a statement for the league.Next, we take a deep dive into one program that changed women’s basketball forever — UConn. We explore decades of dominance, from the legendary era of Rebecca Lobo, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Breanna Stewart, to Paige Bueckers. We break down how this sustained success has left its mark on women’s college basketball — and question whether it’s been entirely good for the sport. Plus, we wonder: could this year’s team run the table and win back-to-back championships? Then, Chantel quizzes Zena and Sabreena on quotes from Geno Auriemma, challenging them to guess which player each quote is about. Finally, we close with the must-watch games to set your screens to this weekend.REFERENCES: Caitlin Clark joining NBC Sports for its new Sunday night NBA pregame show by Devon Henderson and Andrew MarchandWe want to hear from you! We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers!

The 2026 WNBA schedule has officially dropped! Zena and Sabreena dive into the release, exploring it amid ongoing CBA negotiations, the FIBA World Cup’s impact on the season, the league’s 30th season celebration, and the creative ways teams unveiled their schedules.Next, bracketologist Eden Laase joins the conversation to break down early NCAA tournament seeding predictions. She highlights potential host teams, surprise teams that could get in, the significance of NET rankings, and the contenders for the top seed.Finally, we close out with Set Your Screens, your guide to catching all the action in women’s college basketball.REFERENCES: WNBA releases 2026 schedule amid CBA negotiations by Sabreena Merchant How NYU women’s basketball quietly became DIII’s No.1 team. No NIL, little attention, just winning by Eden LaaseWe want to hear from you! We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers!

Zena and Sabreena start their discussion by evaluating Rebecca Lobo and Sue Bird’s view that the league’s offer to players is favorable. They then break down the weekend’s biggest upsets—from Kansas State’s surprising win over Texas Tech to the coaching decisions and team chemistry that made the difference. The duo also dives into the Coretta Scott King Classic, unpacking must-see matchups like Ohio State vs. TCU and Vanderbilt vs. Michigan, where strengths were tested and flaws exposed. They step back to assess UConn’s continued dominance, Notre Dame’s challenges, and the bigger question looming over the season: is women’s college basketball finally leveling out?Plus, Chantel Jennings returns as she takes the hot seat for a game of Two Truths and a Lie.REFERENCES: Kansas State stuns Texas Tech, hands Red Raiders first loss of season by Sabreena Merchant Women’s college basketball power rankings: South Carolina’s Raven Johnson finds her touch by Sabreena Merchant We want to hear from you! We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $100 worth of Amazon vouchers!