Zena and Sabreena discuss the ongoing CBA negotiations, highlighting recent updates and the potential for a player strike. They then shift to Angel Reese’s return to the Rose Basketball Club and the exciting on-court action in the Unrivaled one-on-one tournament.

From there, they dive into the upcoming WNBA Draft, exploring the rise of international prospects, the potential impact of an expansion draft, and the chance for a historic UCLA presence in this year’s class. They weigh the pros and cons of drafting overseas talent, examine the class’s overall depth, and assess top prospects, breaking down what makes them stand out — and where they still need growth.

Plus, we tell you where to set your screens this weekend.

REFERENCES:

Angel Reese will join Unrivaled for remainder of season, reunite with Rose BC by Sabreena

Merchant

WNBA mock draft: Lauren Betts leads five first-round picks from UCLA 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

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

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

Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena kick off their discussion with the unveiling of Unviraled’s 1-on-1 tournament bracket. They highlight what fans can look forward to and share their predictions on who might come out on top.

Next, the crew dives deep into UCLA’s surge in the Big Ten, breaking down roster changes, the impact of transfers, and why this season feels so urgent. They also explore how NIL has shaped the team, how the players have stayed together, and how UCLA is viewed nationally, ending with a look at their potential WNBA draft prospects.

The conversation wraps up with a fun game of Start, Bench, Cut.

REFERENCES:

Duke’s season turnaround is official after taking down No. 6 Louisville by Sabreena Merchant

Women’s college basketball rankings: Tennessee’s troubling tumble, Texas impresses by Sabreena Merchant

__

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

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

Sabreena and Chantel kick things off with the latest on CBA talks following this week’s meeting between the league and the players’ union. With little coming out of the meeting, they discuss what it means for WNBA free agency, the expansion draft, and the league’s hopes of starting the season on time.

From there, bracketologist Eden Laase joins the duo to break down the concept of “bubble teams”— those fighting for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. They explore why signature wins matter, how conference schedules shape resumes, and which teams to keep an eye on as the season winds down. Eden provides insights into the challenges faced by mid-major teams and the fluctuating nature of rankings as the tournament approaches.

Lastly, we wrap things up with a matching exercise where we pair women's basketball players with an olympic sport.

REFERENCES:

A question for WNBA, players union during CBA talks: Where’s the urgency? by Sabreena Merchant

Women’s basketball bubble watch: Will Iowa State make the tournament? by Eden Laase

__

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

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