Show Notes
French talent is making a major impact in the WNBA — and now some of those same players could stand in Team USA’s way at the FIBA World Cup. Sabreena and Annie are joined by Eden Laase to break down the growing pipeline of French players to the WNBA, what’s made the league an increasingly attractive destination, and whether that experience could help France pull off a World Cup upset.
Before Eden joins, Sabreena and Annie discuss the latest developments surrounding Kate Koval’s departure from LSU following the program’s recruitment of a Russian player, which left Koval without a new landing spot as the NCAA transfer window closed before she could make her move. They also break down the passport issue that has kept Li Yueru from playing for Team China, before turning to Satou Sabally being ruled out for the remainder of the season and what that could mean for her future and the New York Liberty.
Finally, the trio look beyond Team USA and France to preview the rest of the FIBA World Cup field, highlighting the teams and players they’ll be watching closely throughout the tournament.
REFERENCES:
Ukrainian center Kate Koval details leaving LSU after recruitment of Russian player by Annie Costabile and Chantel Jennings
Wings center Li Yueru can’t play with China in World Cup due to lost passport by Sabreena Merchant
The WNBA has experienced a French influence. It could also cause chaos in the World Cup by Eden Laase
What to know about Team USA and the World Cup women's basketball field as play begins by Sabreena Merchant __
No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network
Email us: [email protected]
Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!
YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseason TikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
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?
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?
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.
The WNBA Finals are here, and the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are ready for a championship showdown! Chantel, Annie and Sabreena preview the Finals series between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, breaking down the biggest storylines, including the Dream’s move to State Farm Arena, Angel Reese’s impact, and how these two teams have forged their own paths to success. Which team has the edge? The crew breaks down the key matchups that could decide the series, from the battle in the paint and on the boards to defensive strategies, controlling the pace, and the coaching chess match. Plus, they spotlight the players to watch and share their predictions for who will be crowned WNBA champions. Plus, the crew gets into the Halloween spirit by revealing their costumes ahead of Halloween!
The WNBA playoffs have delivered some surprises, but what do the early exits of the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty mean for their futures? Annie is joined by Rachel DeMita, host of Courtside Club, to break down the biggest postseason storylines and what comes next for two teams with championship aspirations. Then, they turn to the Indiana Fever and the critical offseason decisions ahead: How should Indiana build around its core, what does Kelsey Mitchell’s future look like, and what must the franchise prioritize to take the next step? Finally, they look ahead to the WNBA Finals matchup between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, breaking down the key players and strategies that could decide who wins it all. __