Aces’ Bench Delivers in Game 1 + Cathy’s Comments

Following an absolutely electric Game 1 of the WNBA finals - Ben and Sabreena are live from Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, breaking down moments from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s response to player criticism, officiating and player-league dynamics. Is Engelbert's latest response enough to quiet the criticism? How will the league move forward after her controversial remarks? Then they turn their attention to the Aces clutch bench performance and how the Mercury allowed a golden opportunity to slip away in the closing moments of Game 1. Plus -they look ahead to each team's strategy in Game 2. References: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6688187/2025/10/03/wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert-addresses-player-criticism-cba-officiating-job-security/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6687699/2025/10/03/wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert-pressure/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6688341/2025/10/03/wnba-finals-las-vegas-aces-comeback-game-1/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6688459/2025/10/04/las-vegas-aces-dana-evans-zone-defense/ 00:00 Intro 00:51 WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the media before Game 1 03:04 Cathy Englebert and Napheesa Collier are scheduled to meet next week 05:01 Cathy Engelbert stated she and the league "have to do better” 08:00 No current updates with CBA negotiations  08:49 Finals Game 1 reactions 10:46 The Mercury showed a lack of discipline in Game 1 12:25 Aces' bench proved to be the decisive factor in win 15:41 Will we see more from Mercury’s bench? 17:22 Mercury struggles with defensive assignments 19:21 Evaluating Alyssa Thomas playoff performance 20:54 What adjustments do the Mercury need to make in Game 2? #wnba #finals #cba Thumbnail: David Becker, Ian Maule via Getty Images Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-offseason-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/id1699815468 Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com. You can also find us on socials: -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseason -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-sports/?guccounter=1 Full Episodes Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm7txmok7cpMB3YlgkwrT2E0 Shorts Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm72uhBjsd24rsh5teZtgUpS