The Houston Comets are Back. Here's What it Means

Zena and Layshia open their conversation with the return of A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier to USA Basketball, discussing how Team USA is shifting its focus toward developing younger talent and moving away from a more exclusionary approach. They then dive into the transition of the Connecticut Sun to the Houston Comets, highlighting the excitement surrounding the Comets’ return and the challenges facing the Sun’s fanbase. The duo also explores the role of NBA ownership in providing resources and stability, along with the cultural differences between Connecticut and Houston. We wrap things with a story on how WNBA players connected with a key figure in negotiations. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/ 00:00 Intro 01:29 A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier rejoin USA Basketball camp in Phoenix 02:41  Inside USA Basketball’s talent development strategy 05:19 How important is JuJu Watkins’ invitation to USA training camp? 07:43 How the World Cup team differs from the Olympic team 11:50 Why veteran leadership is vital for Team USA 22:29 Is the move from Connecticut to Houston a good move for the WNBA? 28:23 What might Sun fans think about the franchise relocation? 33:46 Does it matter that the WNBA is returning to Houston? 37:36 Inside the ownership of the NBA and WNBA 43:59 How Connecticut and Houston differ culturally  Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7161819/2026/03/31/aja-wilson-napheesa-collier-usa-national-team-training-camp/ by Sabreena Merchant https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7152749/2026/03/27/rockets-owners-connecticut-sun-relocate-houston-comets/ by Mike Vorkunov https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7157789/2026/03/30/houston-comets-wnba-connecticut-sun-relocation-moving/ by Mike Vorkunov Follow and listen to the audio podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/no-offseason-the-athletic-womens-basketball-show/id1699815468 Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason [https://www.instagram.com/tanooffseason] -TikTok: @no_offseason [https://www.tiktok.com/@no_offseason] Credits: -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings -Produced by Taneka Burrell -Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott 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 Thumbnail: Todd Warshaw / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images