These 4 Teams Could Knock Off the Aces

As we get closer to the start of the WNBA season, our big questions continue. This time, Zena, Layshia, and Sabreena take a look at the league’s top contenders. The crew discusses whether the Aces will get off to a strong start and what the early dynamics of the Liberty might look like with Satou Sabally in the mix. We also explore what factors could push the Dream and Wings into true contender conversations. Then we shift to the Fever and examine what their identity could look like with Caitlin Clark back in the lineup. Lastly, we dive into the mailbag, breaking down what it means when teams exercise a player’s option. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/ 00:00 Intro 03:02 Valkyries waive Martha Suarez  03:58 Did the Valkyries make a surprise cut? 09:30 Storm waive Tania Mair 10:13 What to make of Taina Mair’s release by the Storm? 14:11 Sky sign Natasha Cloud waive Hailey Van Lith 15:53 What do the Sky’s recent moves mean for their identity? 18:45 What defines the Sky’s style of play? 21:52 Sabreena Scale 23:36 Will the Aces get off to a fast start? 29:47 What does Chennedy Carter’s return mean for the Aces? 36:41 How does Satou Sabally raise the ceiling for the Liberty? 40:34  What will Satou Sabally bring to the Liberty? 44:57 What to expect from the dream this season 47:04 Are the Dream true contenders right now? 51:48 Do the Wings have enough to change their trajectory? 52:42 Will the Fever evolve beyond underdogs? 01:02:16 Mailbag question Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7244923/2026/04/30/caitlin-clark-injury-indiana-fever-dallas-wings/ by James Boyd https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7242329/2026/04/29/angel-reese-atlanta-dream-chicago-sky/ by Annie Costabile https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7251709/2026/05/04/wnba-preseason-power-rankings-aces/ by Sabreena Merchant https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7252869/2026/05/04/natasha-cloud-chicago-sky-hailey-van-lith/ by Annie Costabile  https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7253615/2026/05/04/liberty-sabrina-ionescu-injury-sidelined/ by Annie Costabile 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 -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-sports/?guccounter=1 Full Episodes Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm7txmok7cpMB3YlgkwrT2E0 Shorts Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL5UWQzuMYdm72uhBjsd24rsh5teZtgUpS Thumbnail: Ethan Miller / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Leonardo Fernandez / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images