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 officials’ plea to the WNBA to protect Caitlin Clark.Bonus: get ready to set your screen. Sabreena and Annie tell you what to watch this weekend.References:https://rsc-pfluger.house.gov/media/press-releases/rsc-chairman-pfluger-leads-letter-wnba-demanding-accountability-over-unfair

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 team’s vision.Can Angel Reese be the next face of the Atlanta Dream franchise?Also, the trio further unpacks the implications of Skylar Diggins’ Instagram stories, Chicago’s history of breeding conflict, and her future with the Sky.Plus: the crew’s thoughts on the twelve All-Star Reserves. Who surprised— and who was snubbed?References:https://www.essence.com/entertainment/sports/angel-reese-atlanta-dream-homegrown-collection/

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 solution going forward?Also, the duo shares what has caught their eyes halfway through the WNBA season, the implications of Skylar Diggins’ Instagram stories, and which teams are trending up in the Sabreena Scale.References:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7423584/2026/07/06/wnba-referees-officiating-issues-offseason-task-force/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/oct/01/wnba-referees-controversy-finals

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 mix – Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart – but some new players are in the mix, too. And when you dig deep on how the players were ranked by the fans, the media, and other players, some interesting surprises pop up.Plus: who might the W coaches pick for All-Star Reserves? And we tell you where to set your screen this weekend.References:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7416748/2026/07/02/wnba-all-star-game-starters-2026/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7410283/2026/06/30/alyssa-thomas-caitlin-clark-incident-wnba-death-threats/

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 on AT’s comments and the league’s response, while also praising Stephanie White for her recent comments on the situation. Then, they dig into the Commissioner’s Cup Final, where the Liberty topped the Aces.Next, in a very special conversation, Zena and Layshia delve into a special announcement from Layshia. They also go deep on Layshia’s decision to retire from basketball, how to rebuild a life and career off the court while dealing with the grief of losing that community and that purpose, and more.Plus: One More Thing - Championship prediction edition!References:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7410283/2026/06/30/alyssa-thomas-caitlin-clark-incident-wnba-death-threats/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7413061/2026/07/01/wnba-hate-threats-fever-white-thomas/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7411259/2026/06/30/breanna-stewart-liberty-aces-commissioners-cup-win/

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 Phoenix Mercury, including Alyssa Thomas’ upgraded foul and suspension. What role should league officials play in getting rid of the toxic discourse that pervades social media? How can the league regain trust with fans? And how can fans and the media alike find the fun again?Also, the crew digs into the 4-OT thriller between the Mystics and the Fire, Marina Mabrey’s 53-point night, and which teams are trending up in the Sabreena Scale.Plus: a Commissioner’s Cup Preview. Will the Aces or the Liberty take the crown?References:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7399104/2026/06/27/caitlin-clark-wnba-fouls-technicals-phoenix-mercury/https://www.theringer.com/2026/06/26/wnba/caitlin-clark-foul-alyssa-thomas-wnba-cathy-engelberthttps://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2026/06/25/caitlin-clark-impact-undeniable-but-wnba-response-falls-short/90701172007/https://www.laprogressive.com/racism/caitlin-clark-problem

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. And: Marina Mabrey goes OFF for 53 points.

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. 

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 has evolved over the years. From aggressive defenses to referee decisions, the duo examines how players adjust, compete, and thrive in one of the toughest leagues in sports.REFERENCES: The fascinating case of Caitlin Clark vs. The WNBA: Who controls the spirit of the sport? by Brian HamiltonCaitlin Clark blasts officials for ‘ridiculous’ tech, inches closer to suspension by James BoydWNBA will not rescind Caitlin Clark’s technical foul from Fever-Mercury game by James Boyd