Is the WNBA Ready for Real Criticism?

Zena, Annie, and Layshia Clarendon dive into the evolving landscape of WNBA media coverage and how the league’s rapid growth is changing the conversation around players and teams. What was once cautious coverage has shifted toward deeper analysis and tougher criticism — a sign that the league is entering a new era of mainstream attention. The trio discusses why constructive criticism and accountability are necessary for a growing league, how responsible reporting shapes the WNBA ecosystem, and why fans need to understand the context and impact of modern sports media coverage. 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/newsletters/no-offseason/ 00:00 Intro 01:39 Fire notch their first win over the Liberty, 98–96 04:45 What to make of what the Portland Fire are building 12:54 Azzi Fudd sidelined with injury for Wings home opener 13:04 Wings drop home opener to the Dream, 77–72 13:43 Azzi Fudd’s injury status 16:56 Early takeaways from the Wings 19:49 Cori Close signs 4-year extension  27:57 How should Dawn Staley’s tweet be perceived? 32:26 Media responsibility and player critique 43:47 Navigating the WNBA reporting landscape 46:09 The importance of reporting the truth of the story 49:33 Why the absence of critical coverage matters 54:13 Explaining nuanced criticism and why it matters 01:01:37 The importance of accountability in coverage 01:06:59 Growing pains in the WNBA 01:09:00 Breaking the code in sports 01:16:16 How criticism helps the league grow 01:20:33 Understanding intent in sports journalism 01:34:10 Send your questions to: nooffseason@theathletic.com Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7274993/2026/05/13/portland-fire-first-win-new-york-liberty/ by Sabreena Merchant https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7274567/2026/05/12/azzi-fudd-out-knee-injury-wings-home-opener/ by Brian Hamilton https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7274725/2026/05/12/cori-close-ucla-contract-extension-2030-season/ by Matt Moret 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: Stacy Revere / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Michelle Farsi / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images