The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

Zena Keita and Sabreena Merchant are joined by Chantel Jennings who is in France with Team USA. Chantel describes the scene around Lille, where the basketball is being played and how the athletes are adapting to life at the games. Then they get into the game... more

Zena and Sabreena are joined by Chantel Jennings to preview all-things Team USA at the Paris Olympic Games including how the group is preparing for success, the schedule, the storylines, the 3x3 squad, and much more. -Follow Zena on X:... more

Zena, Sabreena and Ben recap a busy All-Star Weekend in Phoenix. They discuss everything that went on, from the Orange Carpet to the Friday night festivities, to Saturday's All-Star Game itself. They weigh in on who were the winners of the weekend, their... more

Zena Keita, Sabreena Merchant and Ben Pickman preview this week's WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix by looking back on the history of the event. What can we take from the 2021 matchup between Team USA and Team WNBA? How competitive will the game be? Who are the... more

Zena, Sabreena and Ben discuss the 2024 All-Star rosters, breaking down everything from Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese playing together, the dynamics caused by the format, and the snubs from the showcase. Then, with the season halfway over, they analyze the... more

Zena, Ben and Chantel breakdown the Minnesota Lynx’s Commissioner’s Cup victory and dive into the franchise’s stellar first half. Then, they discuss how Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve hopes to similarly get the most out of USA Basketball at the Paris... more

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena check in on the top teams in league by previewing the Commissioner’s Cup final. They then take a look at the bottom of the standings and the state of the Los Angeles Sparks after Cameron Brink’s injury. -Follow Zena on X:... more

It's a rivalry-themed episode, as Zena, Ben, and Sabreena first get into a burgeoning WNBA rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky by extension. They discuss what makes a compelling rivalry and if Clark/Reese fits... more

Zena, Sabreena and Ben discuss the reasons behind the Liberty's early-season surge, if there are reasons to be worried about the Aces' recent struggles and how dangerous the Mercury are. Then, they get into the U.S. Olympic team roster and if Caitlin Clark... more

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena discuss the hot start for the Connecticut Sun and if they've reached their ceiling. They then breakdown the potential importance of the new winter Unrivaled league before reacting to Kamilla Cardoso's debut with the Chicago Sky and... more

Zena hosts an emergency pod with Athletic NBA Writer Marcus Thompson to break down the tense WNBA-based exchange on ESPN's First Take between Stephen A. Smith and Monica McNutt, Pat McAfee's use of an expletive to discuss Caitlin Clark, and the overall... more

The four-time WNBA champ, three time Olympic gold medalist and recently named LSU assistant coach stops by the pod to discuss her return to Baton Rouge, her journey to coaching college basketball and her own memories of her Olympic experience. Then, Ben and... more

The first week of the 2024 WNBA season has come, and gone. Zena, Ben and Sabreena breakdown their takeaways from the first week of play from around the league, including assessing how Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever look after three games. They also... more

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena discuss what the WNBA's record-breaking opening night means for the league as a whole before diving into what we learned about each team and celebrating the milestones of DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas. They then pivot to Ben's... more

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena comb through the big news heading WNBA tip-off, including travel upgrades and a potential expansion team in Toronto. They then preview the opening night matchups and break down some 2024 award races. -Follow Zena on X:... more

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena break down the latest news heading into the start of the regular season, including what we learned from preseason games, the WNBA’s broadcast challenges, roster crunches, and a home-run hire in the Bay Area. -Follow Zena on X:... more

In what has been a busy week in women's basketball, Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant discuss the potential new winner of the college basketball offseason. Then, they reflect on Candace Parker's retirement from the WNBA and her impact on the sport,... more

With just a few days to go until the transfer portal closes, Zena, Ben and Chantel discuss the college teams that have had the best (and the worst) times with the portal this offseason. And with WNBA training camps around the corner, Ben gives an update on... more

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena break down the most anticipated WNBA Draft in history. Ben shares stories from on the ground in Brooklyn. They also dive into the frontcourt duos that were created in the first round as well as what the defending champion Las Vegas Aces... more

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena go deep on the WNBA Draft. They outline the projected outcomes of the lottery picks, highlight players who could go higher than expected, and make bold predictions for Monday. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X:... more

Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Chantel Jennings discuss the new Tennessee coach, Kentucky’s hiring of Kenny Brooks, Tara VanDerveer’s sudden retirement and the names filling up the transfer portal in women’s college basketball. -Follow Zena on X:... more

Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman and Chantel Jennings reconvened the morning after the national title game to discuss how the Gamecocks — with an entirely new starting lineup — found a way to win their program's third championship. Then, Sabreena and Chantel... more

From Cleveland, Ben Pickman, Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings preview the national championship match up between the nation's two top teams — South Carolina and Iowa. They examine the keys for each team, discuss the legacy implications for the potential... more

From Cleveland, Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman, Grace Raynor and Chantel Jennings gather for another floor episode of the podcast. They discuss Iowa’s chances of returning to the title game, NC State’s shot at an upset and deliver their most important... more

Zena Keita and Sabreena Merchant break down the Elite Eight games from Portland, explaining how UConn managed to get to Cleveland with four first-year players in their seven-player rotation and how NC State controlled games with its guard group. Then, Ben... more

Zena and Sabreena preview what they're looking forward to in Portland while Chantel and Ben set the scene for what to expect in Albany. Tune in for breakdowns, predictions, and behind-the-scenes stories from the regionals! -Follow Zena on X:... more

The tournament field is now merely sixteen, after four days of tightly-contested games. Sabreena and Ben touch on the madness that was, and wasn't, before diving into the news around Virginia Tech, breaking down the stellar freshman performances, and providing... more

The NCAA Tournament is about to begin and Sabreena, Chantel and Ben put the final touches on previewing the field. They discuss the impact of Elizabeth Kitley's injury, answer reader questions and shine a light on some of the stories they've been reporting... more

After Selection Sunday, Zena, Ben, Mark and Sabreens discuss notable snubs, toughest regions and teams that have a potential to make a Cinderella story. -Follow Zena on X: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X: @benpickman -Follow Mark on X:... more

Zena, Ben and Chantel check in ahead of Sunday's selection show to discuss the parity we've seen in the women's game, and how that was especially evident during conference tournaments. Then, they ponder: With talent dispersed across the country, could this be... more

Zena and Sabreena go deep on the final Pac-12 tournament and what it means for the NCAA Tournament prospects for USC, UCLA, and Stanford. Then, Mark joins Zena to talk about how the conference tournament results shook up the bracket. -Follow Zena on X:... more

USC coach Lindsay Gottlieb joins the show to discuss her unique start in college coaching, recruiting JuJu Watkins while building the Trojan program and how her experience in the NBA has informed her during her time in Los Angeles. -Follow Zena on X:... more

After another confusing top 16 seed reveal, Zena brings on Mark and Sabreena to discuss the mechanics of bracketology. They get into the thought process behind seeding and determining the field of 68 and as well as what hangs in the balance before Selection... more

Zena, Sabreena and Chantel sit down with Ohio State sophomore and Big Ten champ Cotie McMahon to discuss what she has learned since early enrolling at Ohio State, how her experience with Team USA has changed her as a player and Cotie's love for all things The... more

Zena and Sabreena break down the player of the year races across the power five conferences (plus the Big East). While some leagues have a clear-cut favorite, the abundance of great candidates in other conferences forces the two hosts to dive into some nitty,... more

Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey and freshman Hannah Hidalgo join Sabreena and Chantel to discuss the biggest storylines from South Bend this season. Ivey and Hidalgo dig into how Hidalgo has gotten to five steals a game, what that season opener in Paris... more

Mark Schindler is back to join Zena to take a look back on the week in women's basketball. With the NCAA tournament on the horizon, Mark explains how brackets, being in the bubble and quadrants work in the tournament. Then, Chantel talks with broadcaster Ann... more

The Queens of Cassell join Chantel, Sabreena, and Zena to discuss their role in turning Virginia Tech into a must-watch team. Liz and Georgia share the origins of their chemistry on and off the court, how they're gearing up for another Final Four run, what's... more

Zena, Chantel and Sabreena are back together to break down several headlines from the past week, touching on Oregon State's recent rise, Nebraska upsetting Caitlin Clark and Iowa on Super Bowl Sunday, Team USA's trip to Belgium and SC's dominant play against... more

While in Iowa City, Chantel sits down with Iowa associate head coach Jan Jensen to discuss Caitlin Clark as she nears the Division I scoring record, Iowa's legacy of 6-on-6 girls basketball and the moments from that last's title game run that felt the most... more

Zena and Ben cover several hot topics in women's basketball, including the history-making offense of Caitlin Clark and JuJu Watkins, speculation on Clark's transition potential to the WNBA, WNBA Free Agency updates, views at USA Camp and what Ben learned about... more

Becky Hammon joins Ben and Sabreena to relive the 2023 Las Vegas Aces title run. Hammon shares how the team dealt with the super team expectations, the grind of repeating, some special moments that buoyed them throughout the year, and goes into great detail on... more

Zena and Chantel recap the biggest game of the regular season (South Carolina-LSU) and examine what UConn's loss to Notre Dame might mean in the college hoops landscape. Plus, a look behind the curtains at The Athletic's All-America teams. -Follow Zena on... more

Greg Bibb, the team president, CEO, and a partner of the Dallas Wings, joins the show to talk about the life of a front-office executive during free agency. He gives his perspective on the draft/scouting, and some of his favorite offseason stories as well as... more

It was a week full of upsets in college basketball. The Athletic's Zena Keita and Ben Pickman break down the results that caught their eyes over the past week. Then, they discuss the scene and significance from Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer's record-setting... more

As Stanford Hall of Fame coach Tara VanDerveer closes in on the all-time college basketball wins record, The Athletic’s Chantel Jennings, Ben Pickman and Zena Keita chat with VanDerveer and star forward Kiki Iriafen about their respective journeys, the role of... more

No one’s having more fun this college season than Iowa State and their five fabulous freshmen. Except maybe USC and the Trojans’ ever-growing crowds in L.A. all clamoring to see JuJu Watkins. Or perhaps Florida State and the Seminoles’ sharpshooting backcourt. more

Florida State coach Brooke Wyckoff and guard Ta'Niya Latson join the podcast to discuss the depth of the ACC, how both have grown as leaders in their respective roles and how they'd spend a rare off-day in Tallahassee. -Follow Zena on X:... more

A handful of prominent lawsuits the NCAA is facing could impact the future landscape of college athletics. The Athletic’s college football and basketball writer Justin Williams and Ben Pickman join Zena Keita to discuss the implications of a recent subdivision... more

The NCAA reached an eight-year agreement with ESPN worth $115 million annually to televise 40 college sports championships, including women's basketball. Chantel Jennings joins Zena Keita to discuss the deal, what is and isn't in the agreement and what the... more

The whole team gets together to discuss some reader-submitted questions as they close out 2023. Will Caitlin Clark be on the Olympic team (should she be)? Is player of the year too weighted on offensive production? What should Atlanta do at PG? -Follow Ben... more

Rori Harmon and Madison Booker, two stars of the undefeated no. 5 Texas Longhorns, join Chantel and Sabreena to share some behind-the-scenes stories about Texas practices, how much Coach Vic Schaefer really talks about defense, and what they're looking to... more

We're going deep in the Pac-12 this week, as Zena and Sabreena discuss the remaining undefeated teams on the West Coast, specifically what to make of Washington and Oregon State as we head into conference play. Then, it's a reassessment of the best transfers... more

Zena has a real conversation about money and financial literacy in the world of women’s basketball with 3x WNBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and NCAA Champion Napheesa Collier. Napheesa shares how the WNBA’s official banking partner, US Bank, helped get... more

The Indiana Fever won the Caitlin Clark draft lottery and the Los Angeles Sparks, with pick No. 2, feel pretty good, too. Plus, we take a look at the top six conferences to determine how many Final Four contenders are in each. -Follow Zena on X:... more

Indiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn joins the podcast to talk about the Fever's outlook heading into the WNBA Draft lottery. Dunn shares some stories from draft lotteries past, when she had the opportunity to select Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird in... more

Indiana Fever general manager Lin Dunn joins the podcast to talk about the Fever's outlook heading into the WNBA Draft lottery. Dunn shares some stories from draft lotteries past, when she had the opportunity to select Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird in... more

Sabreena and Zena chat about this week's Power Rankings and give some love to teams and players that haven't shared enough of the spotlight despite their undefeated seasons and impactful performances, respectively. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter:... more

Zena sits down with UCLA Bruins Head Coach Cori Close to talk about what makes UCLA a special place to be, the importance of leading with transparency and authenticity in today’s age of sports and the various people who poured into her journey to make her a... more

South Carolina has a high-powered offense that rivals its elite defense, NC State has found a clear identity around elite guard play and Stanford has a dynamic duo in the paint — A few weeks into the season, these three teams have all surpassed expectations in... more

After another chaotic week of upsets, Zena and Sabreena break down the latest power rankings and what goes into ordering teams at this point in the season. They also tap into Zena's post-player roots and highlight some of the standout performances from... more

Zena chats with Cal Berkeley's Head Women's Basketball Coach, Charmin Smith on her fascinating journey from playing at Stanford to playing in the WNBA to now being a head coach in one of the country's toughest conferences--all while staying true to the... more

A rare in-person conversation between Chantel, Ben and Sabreena breaking down the three biggest shockers from the first week of action. Then, a three-pack of bold predictions about the National Player of the Year race, Final Four sleepers and if some of the... more

From Paris (where South Carolina's Milaysia Fulwiley and Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo showed out) to Cali (where USC's JuJu Watkins impressed) — some of week 1's best performances in NCAA women's hoops came from the first-year players. Plus: Why LSU's loss... more

In a true crossover of The Athletic's extensive coverage, Senior College Sports Writer Nicole Auerbach joins to discuss the historical context of NCAA conference realignment, the current state of conferences today, and the impacts of realignment on women's... more

College basketball season is upon us and we take a look at some of the most intriguing women's players to watch. Zena is joined by The Athletic's women's basketball writer Lyndsey D'Arcangelo who shares her process of selecting these intriguing players and how... more

How will teams defend Caitlin Clark? Can UConn push forward after a season of injuries? R.I.P. to the Pac-12. And a first for a NCAA regular season game to be played in Paris. Zena is joined by The Athletic national WNBA/women's college basketball writer... more

As we dive into the WNBA off-season, Zena is joined by The Athletic's women's basketball writer Lyndsey D'Arcangelo to discuss free agency players returning from injury and how the future of the league has never been brighter. -Follow Zena on X:... more

A day after Las Vegas’ championship parade, Zena and Sabreena celebrate the 2023 Aces season. They start with the preseason coronation of the “super team” and comb through all the highs and lows (some manufactured, some self-inflicted) that resulted in a... more

It was a close game, a great game and an exciting game but wasn't the best played game. Despite being down two starters the Las Vegas Aces responded well in Game 4 to become back to back WNBA champions. Zena and Ben discuss this along with the adversities the... more

Zena, Ben and Sabreena have the latest on the WNBA Finals. The Liberty avoided a sweep with a Game 3 win and are right back in the series. Meanwhile, the Aces are potentially without star guard Chelsea Gray after she left Game 3 with an injury. How will... more

Zena and Ben talk over the domination by the Aces over the Liberty in the WNBA finals. A look at the lagging defense by the Liberty.  What is it going to take for Breanna Stewart to get going? And the Aces quest to repeat.   -Follow Zena on X:... more

Zena, Ben and Sabreena talk about the star studded event of Game 1 of the WNBA finals. How the environment impacted the game. A look at the Aces and the Liberty. Is Betnijah Laney an x-factor for Liberty? And what adjustments will we see in Game 2? -Follow... more

Washington Mystics star guard Natasha Cloud joins Ben and Sabreena to preview the WNBA Finals. Cloud shares her thoughts on how both he Liberty and Aces are playing really great basketball right now. And how it's really hard to slow these two... more

Sabreena and Ben give their closing thoughts on the semifinals. A look ahead to offseason of the Sun and Wings. Along with Sabreena and Ben's anonymous WNBA GM poll.

-Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm
-Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman

Zena, Ben, Sabreena break down the tight game two's in the semifinals. What is keeping the Wings in games despite the Aces stellar offense? How the Aces are disrupting Satou Sabally play. A look at the WNBA awards and the transparency of the voters. And could... more

Zena and Sabreena continue discussion on the WNBA playoffs. Impressive showing from Rebecca Allen. And thoughts on the announcement of DPOY.


-Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita
-Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm

One athlete, one event can change the landscape of business in the WNBA. Zena and Ben discuss the impact of the business side. And a recap and preview of the WNBA playoffs.

-Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita
-Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman

Zena, Ben and Sabreena recap and preview the WNBA playoffs. Did the league get it right with the playoff format? And what we may expect in the Tuesday night matchups. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on X/Twitter:... more

It was an uneventful start to the WNBA postseason. Zena and Sabreena discuss that and how collegiate ties bring culture to the WNBA.

-Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita
-Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm

Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant discuss the playoff landscape and what to expect out of the matchups.

-Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita
-Follow Ben on X/Twitter: @benpickman
-Follow Sabreena on X/Twitter: @sabreenajm

Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant explore the complex issue of travel for WNBA teams--laying out the existing policy, the impact on players, and the possibilities for a resolution. -Follow Zena on X/Twitter: @itszenakeita -Follow Ben on... more

Zena Keita, Ben Pickman and Sabreena Merchant discuss and breakdown their WNBA MVP, MIP and team of the year. Along with a look at this season's Las Vegas Aces vs. New York Liberty series matchup.

The Athletic Women's Basketball Show covers all things women's hoops, from the WNBA to the NCAA to the international game. Join host Zena Keta, along with The Athletic's women's basketball reporters Sabreena Merchant, Ben Pickman and Chantel Jennings twice a... more