
Show Notes
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 Merchant
Breanna Stewart ‘surprised’ by Sabrina Ionescu’s omission from Team USA World Cup roster by Annie Costabile
Caitlin Clark earns 1-game suspension after her eighth technical foul by Brian Hamilton
Sophie Cunningham says DiJonai Carrington ‘just trying to get attention’ with flagrant foul by Brian Hamilton
Sky’s DiJonai Carrington cites White privilege after ejection for flagrant foul on Sophie Cunningham by Brian Hamilton
WNBA has spiraled into a rinse-and-repeat drama, and it's taking a mind-numbing toll by Candace Buckner __
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. __