No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show Podcast By The Athletic cover art

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

By: The Athletic
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No Offseason is The Athletic’s show for all things women’s basketball. Hosts Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Layshia Clarendon bring you the stories that matter the most and the insider info you need from the sport that never stops – served up alongside exclusive interviews with the biggest names in women’s hoops, from the NCAA to the WNBA and all points in between. New episodes drop Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

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

The Athletic 2023 Basketball Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Why Player-Coach Connections Fuel March Madness Success + Expansion Draft 101

    Why Player-Coach Connections Fuel March Madness Success + Expansion Draft 101
    Mar 27 2026

    Zena and Layshia begin by discussing the uncertain future of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert before turning to the upcoming expansion draft, where they analyze potential player selections and the strategic decisions facing new teams.


    They then explore the vital role of coaching, particularly under high-pressure circumstances, emphasizing the importance of trust and communication between coaches and players. Drawing on memorable game moments, they highlight the impact of player-coach interactions and the balance between intensity and care, showing how trust is crucial in challenging situations.


    We close things out with Layshia’s Lens, featuring a buzzer-beater moment.


    REFERENCES:


    Adam Silver praises Cathy Engelbert, but hasn’t discussed her future with WNBA board by Mike Vorkunov


    WNBA sets expansion draft for April 3 as Toronto and Portland begin to build rosters by Curt Anderson


    WNBA expansion draft big board: Who will Toronto and Portland select? by Sabreena Merchant


    Maryland coach Brenda Frese went viral for yelling at Oluchi Okananwa. There’s more to the story by Elise Devlin



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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

    -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

    -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

    -Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    49 mins
  • Who Will Survive the Sweet 16?

    Who Will Survive the Sweet 16?
    Mar 26 2026

    Chantel and Sabreena dive into the implications of the newly ratified WNBA CBA, exploring its impact on player contracts and how teams may approach free agency moving forward.


    Then the duo take an in-depth look at the Sweet 16, analyzing the matchups and standout player performances while examining how crowd dynamics influence outcomes. They also explore the representation of different conferences in the tournament, highlighting trends, surprises, and potential upsets, giving fans a comprehensive view of what makes this stage of March Madness so exciting.


    Lastly, they wrap things up with “And One More Thing,” discussing the hiring of Tammi Reiss at Florida and how she might go about restoring the program.



    REFERENCES:


    What will Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more WNBA stars on rookie contracts now make? by Sabreena Merchant


    WNBA’s Board of Governors joins players in unanimously ratifying new CBA by Sabreena Merchant


    WNBA term sheet reveals CBA details on schedule, facilities standards, more by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings


    First look at women’s Sweet 16: Predictions and breakdowns for each matchup by Sabreena Merchant, Chantel Jennings, Grace Raynor, and Cameron Teague Robinson


    How much to become Cinderella? Virginia's March Madness run fueled in part by Reddit co-founder gift by Chantel Jennings




    __


    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

    -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

    -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

    -Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • Who Will be the Breakout Star of March Madness?

    Who Will be the Breakout Star of March Madness?
    Mar 24 2026
    The WNBA players have unanimously approved the 2026 CBA agreement, and Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick off the episode by walking through the first steps of the CBA becoming official—and what happens next. They then break down the defining moments from the weekend in the women’s tournament.Next, they dive into who could emerge as the next star of March Madness, exploring how personality, leadership, and team success shape the tournament’s rising faces. They highlight the legacy of established players like Flau'jae Johnson, the rise of stars such as Madison Booker, and the importance of clutch performances.Finally, the crew dips into the mailbag to discuss the surprising lack of upsets in the women’s tournament.REFERENCES: WNBA players approve new CBA in unanimous vote by Sabreena MerchantIowa avoids meltdown in stifling Carver-Hawkeye Arena for NCAA Tournament first-round win by Scott DochternanFairleigh Dickinson coach calls for neutral NCAA sites following close call at Iowa by Scott DochternanTennessee’s lost its edge. Can the Lady Vols get it back? by Chantel JenningsWomen’s NCAA Tournament first round takeaways: Clemson falls in OT after controversial call by Chantel Jennings, Grace Raynor, Cameron Teague Robinson, Sabreena Merchant and Scott DochtermanAmaya Battle sends Minnesota to Sweet 16 with last-second jumper vs. Ole Miss by Chantel JenningsMaryland coach Brenda Frese gives intense coaching moment to Oluchi Okananwa by Devon HendersonWomen’s March Madness second-round takeaways: Can Minnesota keep its March magic going? by Sabreena MerchantWho will become women’s March Madness stars? Watch these standouts become famous by Eden Laase__No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast NetworkGet in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.comShow Links:-YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason-TikTok: @no_offseasonCredits:-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings-Layshia on Instagram: @layshiac Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 1 min
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