No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The playoff race is heating up, and the standings are getting tighter by the day! Zena and Sabreena break down the biggest performances and storylines from the weekend, starting with the Lynx-Aces matchup, which showcased the strengths of two of the league’s top contenders and what each team could bring to the postseason.Then, they turn their attention to the Fever and how their recent surge has propelled them up the standings — and whether they’ve finally found an identity at the right time. Plus, how will injuries impact the Wings’ playoff hopes, and can the Atlanta Dream overcome their inconsistency and missed opportunities in close games as the postseason approaches?To wrap things up, we answer a mailbag question about overseas play and the development opportunities it creates for WNBA players.REFERENCES: Point guard showdown in Indy ends in Caitlin Clark’s favor: Fever-Wings takeaways by James Boyd and Brian HamiltonWNBA power rankings: Will Clark-Bueckers become the next Wilson-Stewart rivalry? by Sabreena MerchantFever show championship mettle in win over Dream: ‘We’ve grown up’ by Brian HamiltonMercury retire Diana Taurasi’s No. 3, welcome WNBA legend to Ring of Honor by Annie CostabileCandace Parker and Elena Delle Donne changed basketball with help from Chicago by Shakeia Taylor

What defines a dynasty in the WNBA? Sabreena and Annie dive into what it takes to build sustained success in the league and explore which teams could be poised to become the next great dynasty. How long can the Aces’ dominance last? Could Napheesa Collier explore other options after the season? And should the Golden State Valkyries already be in the dynasty conversation? The duo breaks it all down while also looking ahead at the next wave of talent coming into the WNBA.Before that, they discuss the outcome of Cathy Engelbert’s meeting with the task force addressing the ongoing issues within the league. Then, we celebrate Diana Taurasi’s legacy as the Phoenix Mercury honor her legendary career.To close, we tell you where to set your screens this weekend.REFERENCES: WNBA condemns online ‘bad-faith efforts’ to toxify league amid divisive conversations by Sabreena Merchant

How does a team know when it’s time to rebuild? Zena and Sabreena dive into the complexities of rebuilding in the WNBA, looking at teams that have gotten it right — including how the Washington Mystics stumbled into a rebuild that’s moving faster than expected. They also examine teams that have been forced into rebuilding, like the Seattle Storm after key free-agency losses.But first, the duo discusses Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White’s strong response to online criticism and how Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell are making history together.To wrap things up, we brainstorm ways to make Rivals Week even bigger and more compelling in the WNBA.REFERENCES: Fever coach Stephanie White fires back at online criticism: ‘Everybody else can go to hell’ By Brian Hamilton

Rivals Week tipped off over the weekend, and the WNBA brought plenty of drama, big performances and storylines to unpack.Zena and Annie break down Caitlin Clark’s quick rescinding of what would have been her eighth technical foul of the season, the fallout from DiJonai Carrington’s ejection after a hard foul on Sophie Cunningham, and whether load management could become a necessary strategy in the WNBA. They also discuss Kayla McBride making WNBA history by setting a new three-point record.But first, the duo dives into the Washington Mystics’ acquisition of veteran forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and what the move means for their playoff push. Then, they discuss Sabrina Ionescu being left off the Team USA roster, her reaction to the decision and whether injuries could open the door for her to get another opportunity. From there, they unpack WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s league-wide memo and what it says about the league’s approach to inclusion.Plus, we wrap things up with a special shoutout to the listeners who continue to tune in, share their feedback and support the show.REFERENCES: Washington Mystics claim former Liberty forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton off waivers by Annie Costabile WNBA commissioner stresses integrity, respect on topic of transgender athletes in league-wide memo by Sabreena MerchantBreanna Stewart ‘surprised’ by Sabrina Ionescu’s omission from Team USA World Cup roster by Annie CostabileCaitlin Clark earns 1-game suspension after her eighth technical foul by Brian HamiltonSophie Cunningham says DiJonai Carrington ‘just trying to get attention’ with flagrant foul by Brian HamiltonSky’s DiJonai Carrington cites White privilege after ejection for flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham by Brian HamiltonWNBA has spiraled into a rinse-and-repeat drama, and it's taking a mind-numbing toll by Candace Buckner

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

The WNBA trade deadline has come and gone, and while the league didn’t see a flood of moves, one blockbuster trade changed the conversation. Zena and Sabreena break down the Phoenix Mercury’s acquisition of Kelsey Plum from the Los Angeles Sparks and discuss what this move means for Phoenix’s playoff hopes and the race for the postseason.Before diving into the trade deadline fallout, the duo opens the show with the ongoing controversy surrounding Sophie Cunningham’s comments on transgender girls in youth sports,  which sparked rallies and counter-rallies WNBA games. Sabreena breaks down what happened at those rallies, the conversations happening around the league, and Cheryl Reeve’s call for leadership, accountability, and inclusivity within the WNBA.To close out the episode, we look ahead to the future of All-Star Weekend and discuss which cities could be strong contenders to host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game.REFERENCES: Cheryl Reeve: WNBA must be ‘safe space for everyone,’ regardless of viewpoint by Devon HendersonWNBA power rankings: Olivia Miles has Minnesota Lynx soaring by Sabreena MerchantDallas Wings to play home games at American Airlines Center in 2027 by Sabreena MerchantConnecticut Sun trade Aneesah Morrow to Toronto Tempo by Annie Coastabile

Sabreena and Annie share their live reactions to Kelsey Plum's trade to the Phoenix Mercury and what it means for both franchise.REFERENCES:Los Angeles Sparks deal Kelsey Plum to Phoenix Mercury in a blockbuster move by Sabreena Merchant

The WNBA trade deadline is approaching, and the rumors, speculation, and potential moves are heating up. Sabreena and Annie break down the complexities of player contracts, the challenges of making trades within the league’s salary cap structure, and which players could realistically be on the move.Before diving into the trade market, the duo discuss some of the league’s recent optics and the conversations surrounding them — including the WNBA’s social media controversy after the league posted and later deleted a video featuring a wager between Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, as well as the incident involving Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton, who was suspended by the league following an interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham during a game.To close out the episode, we answer a listener's question about rebuilding in the WNBA: When is the right time for a team to start over and build for the future?REFERENCES: WNBA deletes, apologizes for social media post showing wager between Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers by Devon Henderson and Annie CostabileStorm owner suspended after interaction with fans supporting Sophie Cunningham by Mark PuleoWe played WNBA general manager with your trade proposals. Who says no? by Sabreena Merchant