As we get closer to the start of the WNBA season, our big questions continue. This time, Zena, Layshia, and Sabreena take a look at the league’s top contenders. The crew discusses whether the Aces will get off to a strong start and what the early dynamics of the Liberty might look like with Satou Sabally in the mix. We also explore what factors could push the Dream and Wings into true contender conversations. Then we shift to the Fever and examine what their identity could look like with Caitlin Clark back in the lineup.

Lastly, we dive into the mailbag, breaking down what it means when teams exercise a player’s option.

REFERENCES:

Fever vs. Wings takeaways: Caitlin Clark’s early exit, Azzi Fudd’s pro debut by James Boyd

Angel Reese fits right in with Dream, beats Sky in first game since trade: Takeaways by Annie Costabile

WNBA preseason power rankings: Can anyone dethrone the Las Vegas Aces? by Sabreena Merchant

Chicago Sky sign Natasha Cloud, waive Hailey Van Lith by Annie Costabile

Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu to miss at least two weeks with injury by Annie Costabile

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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.

Sabreena and Annie take a closer look at the league’s middle tier—teams with something to prove. They evaluate the future outlook of the Minnesota Lynx, explore whether the Golden State Valkyries can find success again in year two, and consider what lies ahead for the Los Angeles Sparks. We also dive into the pressure facing the Chicago Sky amid roster changes, and the challenges confronting Alyssa Thomas and the Phoenix Mercury.

Finally, we’ll tell you where to set your screens!

REFERENCES:

As Angel Reese returns to Chicago with Dream, Sky work to re-imagine their future by Annie Costabile

Angel Reese fits right in with Dream, beats Sky in first game since trade: Takeaways by Annie Costabile

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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.

Layshia and Annie talk through WNBA teams that are in build mode. From finding the right mix of rookies and vets to handling expansion challenges, they look at how Portland, Toronto, Washington, Connecticut, and Seattle are figuring out who they are in the 2026 season. Plus, they get into coaching, team strategies, what success looks like, and why some teams have the potential to surprise sooner than expected.

Plus — our take on the NCAA’s push to expand the tournament.

REFERENCES:

NCAA basketball tournaments closing in on 76-team March Madness starting in 2027: Sources by Ralph D. Russo

__

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.