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The WNBA is trying to create a sense of urgency with the March 10th deadline. Zena, Chantel, and Sabreena break down what’s at stake and discuss the implications if the league and the players’ union are — or aren’t — able to reach a handshake agreement in time. Next, Chantel and Sabreena welcome Project B’s Chief Basketball Officer and WNBA Hall of Famer Alana Beard to discuss the league’s launch and its mission to fill a gap in women’s basketball. Beard also reflects on her overseas playing career, her transition into the business side of the sport, and the unforgettable message she received from the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant. The crew wraps up by making their Unrivaled postseason predictions. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/ 00:00 Intro 00:45 Drop-dead date announced to teams and WNBAPA 01:21 How the offseason shapes up under handshake deal 02:46 Why the March 10 deadline? 08:07 Deadline’s impact on college basketball 09:06 How the draft and free agency timeline works 11:47 The unknown of free agency 12:49 What happens if the deadline passes? 13:18 WNBA first week schedule preview 16:02 Inside Alana Beard’s time in basketball 21:25 Inside Beard’s path to Project B 23:32 Project B puts players first 27:52 Project B’s international league structure explained 29:55 The gaps Project B aims to fill 32:06 How Project B aims to expand its audience 33:54 Inside Project B’s player scheduling strategy 40:31 Beard on transitioning to the business side of basketball 48:06 Congratulations Ben Pickman! 48:47 Unrivaled postseason tips off Friday night Related links and articles: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7071517/2026/02/26/wnba-cba-agreement-spring-free-agency-expansion-draft-camp/ by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings 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
