WNBA Playoff Race: What’s Still at Stake

The WNBA returns Thursday night, and with just four games remaining, the playoff picture is still to be determined. Zena, Annie and Sabreena break down what’s at stake, including the latest from the Lynx, Wings, Liberty and Aces, key lineup changes, player health and how the FIBA World Cup break could impact the postseason. Plus, they look ahead to potential playoff matchups and ask: How much can these final four games change the playoff picture? But first, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver weighs in on what the WNBA needs in its next commissioner, emphasizing the importance of a leader who can bring players and owners together. Plus, Zena and Chantel sit down with Maryland guard Oluchi Okananwa, who reveals that more than 100 women’s college basketball players have joined the push to unionize through the United College Athletes Association. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/ Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/news... 00:00 Intro 01:28 Adam Silver weighs in on the next Commissioner 04:54 Breaking down Silver's "unifying" comments 08:01 What should the league seek in its next Commissioner? 14:06 Exploring the impact of the World Cup break 22:10 What to watch out for heading into the postseason  30:32 How will the final four games impact the playoff picture? 38:53 Introduction to UCAA and its purpose 40:16 The formation of the UCAA 41:56 The vision behind the UCAA 43:16 The efforts behind the UCAA 44:49 Athlete concerns with the Protect College Sports Act 46:35 Navigating the changing college rules 51:02 Challenges in uniting athletes 57:18 The future goals of the UCAA Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7598... Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason [  / tanooffseason  ] -TikTok: @no_offseason [  / no_offseason  ] Credits: -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings -Layshia on IG: @layshiac -Annie on X: @anniecostabile -Produced by Taneka Burrell -Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sport... Full Episodes Playlist:    • Full Episodes | No Offseason: The Athletic...   Shorts Playlist:    • Shorts   Thumbnail: Alex Livesey / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Michael Regan / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Jordan Bank / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images