The Behind The Scenes Challenges Players Don't Talk About

Layshia, Annie and Sabreena unpack the complex realities of health in the WNBA — from the physical toll of a demanding season to the mental challenges players face behind the scenes. The trio discusses the impact injuries can have on careers, including ongoing concerns surrounding Caitlin Clark’s back issues and Satou Sabally’s battle to stay healthy. They also dive into why investing in player wellness, recovery, and long-term development is critical for the future of the league — especially for younger stars' development. 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 01:40 Sparks lose home opener to Fever, 87–78 03:43 Aces dominate Sun, 98–69 06:07 WNBA &  NBA Board of Governors approve sale of the Sun 12:06 Tempo earn first franchise win, 86–73 over Storm 16:14 What’s going on with injuries in New York? 17:48 Satou Sabally return remains TBD 25:40 WNBA commit to player health 32:29 The mental game of recovery 38:16 Why WNBA health investment matters 41:27 What keeps some players on the court vs. others? 43:49 Enduring pain in sports 50:27 Will officiating changes reduce injuries? 55:44 Tempo vs. Sparks | Fri. 10PM ET on WNBA League Pass 55:20 Aces vs. Dream | Sun. 1:30PM ET on Peacock 56:22 Storm vs. Fever | Sun. 6PM ET on Peacock Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7278260/2026/05/14/caitlin-clark-fever-sparks-result-score/ by Sabreena Merchant https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7277561/2026/05/13/wnba-sun-sale-connecticut-houston-relocation/ 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: Michelle Farsi / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images Ali Gradischer / Stringer / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / USA TODAY Sport via Imagn Images