Why the Power Forward Dominates in the WNBA

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena break down a big weekend of games in the WNBA – highlighting the Aces big win over the Fever, the Storm’s victory over an injury-laden Liberty, and the Valkyries’ hot streak. They also check in on the Sabreena Scale, which has a new top team this week. Then, the crew digs into our deep dive for the week – the dominance of the power forward position in the WNBA. When did this position rise to such importance? How has it evolved? And will it continue to hold the same value on the court? Plus, a game about sporting siblings.  00:00 Intro 1:57 A’ja Wilson returns back from concussion protocol 7:10 Sabreena’s Scale 16:48 Is Nneka Ogwumike the most disrespected MVP in the league? 19:33 How will Jonquel Jones absence impact the NY Liberty? 21:54 WNBA filed trademark applications for Portland Fire 24:45 When did the dominance of the p. ower forwards start? 27:45 How have power forwards changed the game? 31:55 The importance of the power forward 51:01 The sibling game References: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6444619/2025/06/23/wnba-power-rankings-golden-state-valkyrie-surge/ https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6440761/2025/06/20/wnba-portland-fire-trademark-logo/ https://www.tiktok.com/@itscwaysworldesq/video/7515177001032961326 #wnba #ajawilson #valkyries 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