Zena and Sabreena open their conversation with the latest updates on the CBA negotiations, discussing what comes next as talks hit their deadline with no agreement. From there, they shift to a recap of the association, covering Texas’ first loss of the season, Ohio State’s rise as a contender, Notre Dame’s unusual campaign, and the need for UNC and Duke to find consistency.

Next, the duo explore the evolving landscape of women’s college basketball, focusing on the growing impact of international players in the NIL era and implications for the WNBA. They discuss how the influx of international talent brings excitement and challenges for college programs, introduces diverse playing styles, and highlights different pathways to the professional level—where international players often have more flexibility than American players facing strict draft eligibility rules. They also examine the need for clearer NCAA regulations around international participation.

Finally, we wrap things up with one of our recruiting games: “Something in Common”.

REFERENCES:

WNBA, players union fail to reach CBA deal at deadline by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA and players union agree to free agency moratorium until CBA deal is reached by Sabreena Merchant

No. 12 LSU women hand No. 2 Texas first loss of season by Sabreena Merchant

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:

-YouTube: @No-Offseason

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben begin with a check-in on the CBA negotiations, explaining what a work stoppage and a status quo period really mean for players and the league. Then they turn to the Power Four conferences, breaking down whether the Big 12 has multiple teams capable of making a deep tournament run, what it will take to turn the ACC around, which SEC programs are on the rise, and who’s emerging as the contender for No. 2 in the Big Ten. The crew highlights the drama and challenges teams face as the season unfolds.

Plus, we reflect on our early days in journalism, sharing personal anecdotes to inspire the next generation of reporters.

REFERENCES:

WNBA, players union remain in CBA deadlock. Could a player strike or lockout happen? by Ben Pickman

LSU women’s basketball stumbled to an 0-2 SEC start. Will Kim Mulkey’s squad recover? by Sabreena Merchant

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No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:

-YouTube: @No-Offseason

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben kick off 2026 by recapping two wild weeks of conference play. From undefeated teams falling to surprise wins across the board, the crew breaks down their biggest takeaways from the action. Then they turn their attention to Year 2 of Unrivaled, exploring how the league has grown from its inaugural year. With new faces, bigger teams, and an added night of competition, they dig into who’s ready to shine, who’s poised to win , and how success is being defined in Year 2.

Plus, we finish strong with our Unrivaled Award Predictions!

REFERENCES:

Napheesa Collier to miss Unrivaled season and possible WNBA start after ankle surgeries by Ben Pickman

What to know about Unrivaled women’s basketball league as its second season tips off by Ben Pickman

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:

-YouTube: @No-Offseason

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben wrap up the year with a celebration of women’s basketball—breaking down the top duo of 2025, standout performances, teams that showed up big, and their favorite reporting moments— before turning their attention to things to look forward to in 2026.

REFERENCES:

2025 winners vs. losers: Which women’s basketball stars deserve gifts? Who gets coal? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:

-YouTube: @No-Offseason

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re diving into the mailbag to tackle your biggest questions about women’s basketball. What lies ahead for the CBA negotiations? How can fans show their support for WNBA players? What’s the connection between NCAAW programs and WNBA coaches? And which college teams that haven’t been to the NCAA Tournament in a while are poised for a turnaround? Tune in for all this, plus insights and takes you won’t want to miss!

REFERENCES:

2025 WNBA free agency: Which players could make the biggest moves? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman

WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources by Ben Pickman

WNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select? by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:

-YouTube: @No-Offseason

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WNBPA has authorized its executive committee to call for a strike “when necessary” amid ongoing CBA negotiations. Sabreena and Ben break down what the authorization means, the league’s response, and how perceptions of fairness in negotiations can differ from each side.

Then, new Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernandez sits down with the duo to talk about the evolution of college basketball, his vision for the Wings, and the thrill of coaching elite talent like Paige Bueckers.

Later, Zena joins the conversation to discuss what we’ve learned about Coach Fernandez and the expectations surrounding the Wings this season.

Finally, we close with Set Your Screens.

REFERENCES:

WNBPA authorizes executive committee to call for strike ‘when necessary’ amid CBA talks by Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman

Breanna Stewart open to NBA commissioner Adam Silver joining WNBA CBA talks by Denny Alfonso

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:

-YouTube: @No-Offseason

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Sabreena, and Ben dig into the latest in the WNBA’s CBA talks, focusing on revenue sharing, before shifting to Team USA training camp and Caitlin Clark’s return to the court. From there, they explore the idea of player loans in NCAA basketball—how it might work, who could benefit, what it could mean for draft stock and teams looking to get over the hump.

We wrap up with a fun look at sports catchphrases and nicknames that have caught our attention and shaped branding and marketing across the sports world.

REFERENCES:

Caitlin Clark makes Team USA debut at camp, says she’s back to full health by Sabreena Merchant

Angel Reese says she plans to return to the Chicago Sky for third season by Sabreena Merchant

Caitlin Clark stresses importance of salvaging 2026 WNBA season in CBA negotiations by Sabreena Merchant

WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources by Ben Pickman

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:

-YouTube: @No-Offseason

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena react to A’ja Wilson being named Time’s 2025 Athlete of the Year and the impact that recognition has on her and the WNBA.

Then they get into the New York Liberty introducing their new head coach, Chris DeMarco, and what his plan and coaching style could bring to the team.

After that, Sonia Raman stops by to share her unconventional journey into basketball—from her early influences as a fan, to her coaching experience at MIT and with the Memphis Grizzlies, to her transition into the WNBA. She also reflects on the opportunity to coach generational talent Dominique Malonga.

Finally, we wrap things up with a hypothetical WNBA player comeback.

REFERENCES:

A’ja Wilson after Time’s Athlete of the Year honor: ‘On my way’ to GOAT status by Devon Henderson

__

No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network

Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com

Show Links:

-YouTube: @No-Offseason

-Instagram: @tanooffseason

-TikTok: @no_offseason

Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.