No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

WNBA All-Star Weekend is finally here, and Chicago is ready for the spotlight. Zena and senior columnist Marcus Thompson II break down the biggest storylines heading into the league's biggest weekend—from the can't-miss events and bold predictions to what fans should keep an eye on. Plus, they discuss Napheesa Collier's impressive return and what her comeback means as the second half of the season gets underway.Then, the focus shifts to the WNBA's future. As the league reaches unprecedented heights, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is facing growing criticism from players and fans alike. Is the backlash warranted, or is she taking the blame for larger issues across the league? Zena and Marcus dive into the debate over her leadership and what's next for the WNBA.To wrap things up, Annie catches up with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to discuss why Chicago is the perfect host for All-Star Weekend, his favorite local restaurants, and the WNBA players—past and present—who have made the biggest impression on him.REFERENCES: Wings’ Azzi Fudd headlines 3-point contest field at WNBA All-Star Weekend by Sabreena MerchantNapheesa Collier has double-double in season debut for Lynx by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

The participants for the WNBA All-Star Three-Point Contest are officially set, and rookie Azzi Fudd is the lone first-year player in the field. Zena and Annie break down the competition, discuss the favorites, and examine which notable names won't be competing.Then, the conversation shifts into the growing arms race around WNBA facilities—why teams like the Lynx and Aces are raising the bar, what it means for organizations still playing catch-up like the Sky, and how better facilities are becoming a critical part of player recruitment, performance, and trust as the league pushes toward new standards by 2028.Then, to close out the show, it's all about fun as Zena quizzes Annie with a round of Chicago sports trivia.REFERENCES: Wings’ Azzi Fudd headlines 3-point contest field at WNBA All-Star Weekend by Sabreena MerchantAmid tension, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert meets with players by Annie CostabileNapheesa Collier has double-double in season debut for Lynx by Sabreena Merchant and Annie Costabile

Words matter—and sometimes they can ignite a league-wide conversation. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena unpack the controversy surrounding Toronto Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello's comments about Angel Reese, exploring the role of context, intent, impact, and the broader conversations about race and language in sports. The crew also examines the evolving leadership dynamic between Adam Silver and Cathy Engelbert and how much oversight Adam Silver has on the WNBA. Plus, we break down Caitlin Clark's record-setting performance, the Golden State Valkyries' impressive winning streak, and what's behind the New York Liberty's recent struggles.Finally, we close the show with one of our favorite games: Two Takes and a Fake.REFERENCES: Tempo coach suspended after calling Angel Reese ‘protected species’ during game by Sabreena MerchantAngel Reese thanks Tempo’s Sandy Brondello, WNBA for response to coach’s offensive remark by Annie CostabileChicago Sky defer opening of new practice facility again, cite updated interior plans by Annie CostabileWNBA power rankings: Will the New York Liberty eventually find their groove? by Sabreena MerchantCaitlin Clark tallies 45 points to break Fever scoring record in comeback win over Storm by James Boyd

Who's worth every penny—and who's getting paid too much? Sabreena and Annie break down the WNBA's biggest bargains and most debated contracts, discussing which players are outperforming their deals, who's falling short, and how the league's new salary cap is changing the way teams build their rosters.The duo also reacts to the WNBA All-Star rosters, A'ja Wilson and Lauren Betts bringing home ESPY honors, and discusses the latest travel issues that significantly impacted game schedules.Plus, they wrap up with the must-watch matchups to keep an eye on this weekend.REFERENCES: It’s Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers as WNBA All-Star rosters are set by Sabreena Merchant

We're at the midpoint of the WNBA season, which means it's time to hand out our midseason awards. From MVP and Most Improved Player to Coach of the Year, Sixth Player of the Year, and even Press Conference of the Year, Zena and Sabreena make the case for the league's top contenders. They discuss who's leading each race, who's making a late push, and which awards are still wide open.The duo also dives into the NCAA's proposed move to seed the top 16 teams in the women's basketball tournament, breaking down how the changes would reshape the bracket and how they differ from last season's format.Plus, have you noticed all the early morning WNBA tipoffs? Zena and Sabreena explain why they're happening and what they mean for players, fans, and the league.REFERENCES: Our MVP, and other midseason awards. Plus: Change is coming in L.A. by Annie Costabile and Sabreena Merchant 

The Los Angeles Sparks surprised the WNBA world Sunday with a midseason move to “part ways” with general manager Raegan Pebley. Zena, Annie, and Sabreena unpack the reasoning and timing of this decision and what this means for the rest of the Sparks’ 2026 season. What is Kelsey Plum’s future approaching the trade deadline? How will the Sparks’ front office function going forward?The trio also break down game action from this past weekend and the results that led to dramatic changes in Sabreena’s Scale. Plus: What’s the craziest reason you’ve missed work? Zena and Sabreena surprise Annie with an all-time calendar conflict.References:https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7441836/2026/07/13/wnba-power-rankings-toronto-tempo-canada/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7440952/2026/07/12/raegan-pebley-los-angeles-sparks/

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