Ben Pickman
@benpickman.bsky.social
Staff writer at The Athletic covering WBB | the athletic WBB show | Prev: Sports Illustrated, CNN Sports |[email protected] | he/him
mong the BTS stories we told on the podcast today, was of Michigan AD Warde Manuel meeting a few @michigandaily.bsky.social reporters after Friday night's thriller between Michigan and UConn, and then Geno Auriemma asking to take a photo of them!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...
November 25, 2025 at 5:07 PM
mong the BTS stories we told on the podcast today, was of Michigan AD Warde Manuel meeting a few @michigandaily.bsky.social reporters after Friday night's thriller between Michigan and UConn, and then Geno Auriemma asking to take a photo of them!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...
Packed New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss:
-Liberty HC hire
-Lack of Black women W HCs
-Michigan v UConn
-TA's W Mock Draft
-Who goes #1?
-Who could slide to 6/7? (Clearly, Sabreena wasn't a fan of that 😂)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss:
-Liberty HC hire
-Lack of Black women W HCs
-Michigan v UConn
-TA's W Mock Draft
-Who goes #1?
-Who could slide to 6/7? (Clearly, Sabreena wasn't a fan of that 😂)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...
November 25, 2025 at 3:09 PM
Packed New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss:
-Liberty HC hire
-Lack of Black women W HCs
-Michigan v UConn
-TA's W Mock Draft
-Who goes #1?
-Who could slide to 6/7? (Clearly, Sabreena wasn't a fan of that 😂)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss:
-Liberty HC hire
-Lack of Black women W HCs
-Michigan v UConn
-TA's W Mock Draft
-Who goes #1?
-Who could slide to 6/7? (Clearly, Sabreena wasn't a fan of that 😂)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sodo...
Talked to Mercury president Vince Kozar about the design process behind the new Mercury rebrand.
There were few creative limitations — except one: “No spaceships was my big thing,” Kozar said.
Full BTS design story:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
There were few creative limitations — except one: “No spaceships was my big thing,” Kozar said.
Full BTS design story:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 24, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Talked to Mercury president Vince Kozar about the design process behind the new Mercury rebrand.
There were few creative limitations — except one: “No spaceships was my big thing,” Kozar said.
Full BTS design story:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
There were few creative limitations — except one: “No spaceships was my big thing,” Kozar said.
Full BTS design story:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
NEWS: The Phoenix Mercury have announced a complete rebrand that includes an updated logo 👀
A new uniform is expected to be released on Tuesday.
A new uniform is expected to be released on Tuesday.
November 24, 2025 at 3:34 PM
NEWS: The Phoenix Mercury have announced a complete rebrand that includes an updated logo 👀
A new uniform is expected to be released on Tuesday.
A new uniform is expected to be released on Tuesday.
For anyone who is a WNBA Draft Lottery nerds...
The Wings' winning four number combination was 2-6-12-5.
And in the lottery drawing for the second pick, the Lynx had the 11-3-4-13 combination
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjh...
The Wings' winning four number combination was 2-6-12-5.
And in the lottery drawing for the second pick, the Lynx had the 11-3-4-13 combination
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjh...
2026 WNBA Draft Lottery - Full Drawing
YouTube video by WNBA
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:07 AM
For anyone who is a WNBA Draft Lottery nerds...
The Wings' winning four number combination was 2-6-12-5.
And in the lottery drawing for the second pick, the Lynx had the 11-3-4-13 combination
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjh...
The Wings' winning four number combination was 2-6-12-5.
And in the lottery drawing for the second pick, the Lynx had the 11-3-4-13 combination
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLjh...
Two years in a row, the Wings sent Maddy Siegrist to the lottery drawing. Two years in a row, Curt Miller had plane problems on lottery weekend
Two years in a row, the Dallas Wings came away with the No. 1 pick
Full story on lottery results/implications
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Two years in a row, the Dallas Wings came away with the No. 1 pick
Full story on lottery results/implications
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Dallas Wings win WNBA Draft Lottery for second straight year: Who will join Paige Bueckers?
The Minnesota Lynx land the No. 2 pick, and the Seattle Storm won the third selection. The Mystics are No. 4 and the Sky No. 5.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Two years in a row, the Wings sent Maddy Siegrist to the lottery drawing. Two years in a row, Curt Miller had plane problems on lottery weekend
Two years in a row, the Dallas Wings came away with the No. 1 pick
Full story on lottery results/implications
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Two years in a row, the Dallas Wings came away with the No. 1 pick
Full story on lottery results/implications
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
The No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft is headed to the Dallas Wings‼️
Who should they select?
Who should they select?
November 23, 2025 at 11:53 PM
The No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft is headed to the Dallas Wings‼️
Who should they select?
Who should they select?
Last week, Geno Auriemma and Kim Barnes Arico traded texts about how they weren't looking forward to playing each other on Friday
They expected a challenge
And they got one.
From Uncasville — On UConn surviving a scare, Syla Swords, Azzi Fudd, and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
They expected a challenge
And they got one.
From Uncasville — On UConn surviving a scare, Syla Swords, Azzi Fudd, and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
UConn survives its toughest test after challenge from Michigan
The top-ranked Huskies remain undefeated.
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Last week, Geno Auriemma and Kim Barnes Arico traded texts about how they weren't looking forward to playing each other on Friday
They expected a challenge
And they got one.
From Uncasville — On UConn surviving a scare, Syla Swords, Azzi Fudd, and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
They expected a challenge
And they got one.
From Uncasville — On UConn surviving a scare, Syla Swords, Azzi Fudd, and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
“We turned that corner, and when I saw the people, I said, ‘Holy sh–. Boy, have we come a long way.'"
For The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings, I talked to Cheryl Reeve about what it's been like watching fandom grow, cross-sport synergy and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
For The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings, I talked to Cheryl Reeve about what it's been like watching fandom grow, cross-sport synergy and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Minneapolis is a top women’s sports city. A local champion explains why
Minneapolis at No. 2 in our Top Women's Sports Cities ranking may be a bit of a surprise. But not if you talk to Cheryl Reeve.
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 2:54 PM
“We turned that corner, and when I saw the people, I said, ‘Holy sh–. Boy, have we come a long way.'"
For The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings, I talked to Cheryl Reeve about what it's been like watching fandom grow, cross-sport synergy and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
For The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings, I talked to Cheryl Reeve about what it's been like watching fandom grow, cross-sport synergy and more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
As the two sides continue to meet this week, can confirm via sources with knowledge of the CBA discussions that the league’s most recent proposal to the WNBPA included a max salary of more than $1.1 million.
AP first on it.
AP first on it.
November 19, 2025 at 1:30 AM
As the two sides continue to meet this week, can confirm via sources with knowledge of the CBA discussions that the league’s most recent proposal to the WNBPA included a max salary of more than $1.1 million.
AP first on it.
AP first on it.
New No Offseason Ep!
@sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss what we saw/heard at UConn-OSU + USC-South Carolina (among other games)
We dive into The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings. And I vent about a pickup basketball pet peeve
youtu.be/fOABPbhCOLw?...
@sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss what we saw/heard at UConn-OSU + USC-South Carolina (among other games)
We dive into The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings. And I vent about a pickup basketball pet peeve
youtu.be/fOABPbhCOLw?...
Who Can Keep Up With UConn, South Carolina, and TCU?
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
youtu.be
November 18, 2025 at 4:11 PM
New No Offseason Ep!
@sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss what we saw/heard at UConn-OSU + USC-South Carolina (among other games)
We dive into The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings. And I vent about a pickup basketball pet peeve
youtu.be/fOABPbhCOLw?...
@sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss what we saw/heard at UConn-OSU + USC-South Carolina (among other games)
We dive into The Athletic's Best Women's Sports Cities rankings. And I vent about a pickup basketball pet peeve
youtu.be/fOABPbhCOLw?...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
Just in time for the NWSL championship this week, the Bay asserts itself as the best place — according to our @theathletic.com staff vote — for women’s sports in the U.S. Some surprises in here, even for me!
I’m on deck today with the results ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
I’m on deck today with the results ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
What makes a great women’s sports city? We ranked the top 10 in the U.S.
The Bay Area earned the top spot in our first-ever city ranking, and the No. 2 city might surprise you.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Just in time for the NWSL championship this week, the Bay asserts itself as the best place — according to our @theathletic.com staff vote — for women’s sports in the U.S. Some surprises in here, even for me!
I’m on deck today with the results ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
I’m on deck today with the results ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
From Hartford — The play of Sarah Strong, Blanca Quiñonez, Azzi Fudd and the rest of the Huskies begs the question:
Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is UConn even more dominant than last season’s national championship team?
The Huskies have won every game so far by double digits thanks to their depth.
www.nytimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:41 PM
From Hartford — The play of Sarah Strong, Blanca Quiñonez, Azzi Fudd and the rest of the Huskies begs the question:
Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
From Hartford — The play of Sarah Strong, Blanca Quiñonez, Azzi Fudd and the rest of the Huskies begs the question:
Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is UConn even more dominant than last season’s national championship team?
The Huskies have won every game so far by double digits thanks to their depth.
www.nytimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 11:41 PM
From Hartford — The play of Sarah Strong, Blanca Quiñonez, Azzi Fudd and the rest of the Huskies begs the question:
Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Is this year’s UConn team even better than last year’s title-winner?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
No Offseason Ep
@zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss the first week(end) of WCBB
Then, @gabbyherzig.bsky.social joins us for a golf x WNBA crossover. On Caitlin Clark's pro-am appearance this week, basketball players' golf obsession, the state of the LPGA and more:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrB...
@zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss the first week(end) of WCBB
Then, @gabbyherzig.bsky.social joins us for a golf x WNBA crossover. On Caitlin Clark's pro-am appearance this week, basketball players' golf obsession, the state of the LPGA and more:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrB...
How Golf Helps Caitlin Clark on the Court
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:22 PM
No Offseason Ep
@zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss the first week(end) of WCBB
Then, @gabbyherzig.bsky.social joins us for a golf x WNBA crossover. On Caitlin Clark's pro-am appearance this week, basketball players' golf obsession, the state of the LPGA and more:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrB...
@zenakeita.bsky.social and I discuss the first week(end) of WCBB
Then, @gabbyherzig.bsky.social joins us for a golf x WNBA crossover. On Caitlin Clark's pro-am appearance this week, basketball players' golf obsession, the state of the LPGA and more:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hrB...
Richie Adubato, who is the Liberty's record-holder for games coached and second in wins, has died, the NBA announced.
In New York, he coached notables such as Becky Hammon, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Sue Wicks to great success.
He also coached the NBA's Magic, Pistons, and Mavs among others
In New York, he coached notables such as Becky Hammon, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Sue Wicks to great success.
He also coached the NBA's Magic, Pistons, and Mavs among others
November 8, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Richie Adubato, who is the Liberty's record-holder for games coached and second in wins, has died, the NBA announced.
In New York, he coached notables such as Becky Hammon, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Sue Wicks to great success.
He also coached the NBA's Magic, Pistons, and Mavs among others
In New York, he coached notables such as Becky Hammon, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Sue Wicks to great success.
He also coached the NBA's Magic, Pistons, and Mavs among others
Reposted by Ben Pickman
It’s my three-year anniversary at The Athletic today!
I celebrated by complaining about Duke’s offense. More WBB week 1 thoughts with @benpickman.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
I celebrated by complaining about Duke’s offense. More WBB week 1 thoughts with @benpickman.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Which women’s college basketball teams are showing signs for concern in Week 1?
What are the games to watch? Who impressed the most? Our experts weigh in.
www.nytimes.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:49 PM
It’s my three-year anniversary at The Athletic today!
I celebrated by complaining about Duke’s offense. More WBB week 1 thoughts with @benpickman.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
I celebrated by complaining about Duke’s offense. More WBB week 1 thoughts with @benpickman.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Plus, Sabreena and I share our first impressions of the WCBB season... transfers we think have fit in, most interesting result so far, a Week 1 stat line that caught our eye, and more...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
November 7, 2025 at 5:23 PM
Plus, Sabreena and I share our first impressions of the WCBB season... transfers we think have fit in, most interesting result so far, a Week 1 stat line that caught our eye, and more...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
All things WBB covered at @theathletic.com
In the latest No Offseason Ep, @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I talk Unrivaled rosters, Project B and a whole bunch of WCBB programs (not just title favorites)...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iger...
In the latest No Offseason Ep, @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I talk Unrivaled rosters, Project B and a whole bunch of WCBB programs (not just title favorites)...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iger...
Unrivaled Rosters, Project B’s Big Bucks + College Hoops Hot Takes
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
www.youtube.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:23 PM
All things WBB covered at @theathletic.com
In the latest No Offseason Ep, @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I talk Unrivaled rosters, Project B and a whole bunch of WCBB programs (not just title favorites)...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iger...
In the latest No Offseason Ep, @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I talk Unrivaled rosters, Project B and a whole bunch of WCBB programs (not just title favorites)...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iger...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
Nneka Ogwumike is the first to join Project B but Alana Beard, Project B's chief basketball officer, said "multiple" players who received All-WNBA honors are signed, too, along with others.
A men's league will launch Fall 2026, too.
Story with @sabreenajm.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
A men's league will launch Fall 2026, too.
Story with @sabreenajm.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Nneka Ogwumike signs with Project B, becomes first player publicly associated with new league
Project B is expected to launch in 2026 and play its debut season from November 2026 through April 2027.
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Nneka Ogwumike is the first to join Project B but Alana Beard, Project B's chief basketball officer, said "multiple" players who received All-WNBA honors are signed, too, along with others.
A men's league will launch Fall 2026, too.
Story with @sabreenajm.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
A men's league will launch Fall 2026, too.
Story with @sabreenajm.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
📺 Business Decision📺
This is the most important offseason in WNBA history, and it has begun with a fractious CBA negotiation for its economic future.
@sabreenajm.bsky.social @benpickman.bsky.social and I get wonky about the WNBA
youtu.be/KertyenwTBU
Or get it everywhere you get your podcasts
This is the most important offseason in WNBA history, and it has begun with a fractious CBA negotiation for its economic future.
@sabreenajm.bsky.social @benpickman.bsky.social and I get wonky about the WNBA
youtu.be/KertyenwTBU
Or get it everywhere you get your podcasts
Inside the WNBA Cold War that will decide the league's future
YouTube video by Business Decision with Mike Vorkunov
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 2:48 PM
📺 Business Decision📺
This is the most important offseason in WNBA history, and it has begun with a fractious CBA negotiation for its economic future.
@sabreenajm.bsky.social @benpickman.bsky.social and I get wonky about the WNBA
youtu.be/KertyenwTBU
Or get it everywhere you get your podcasts
This is the most important offseason in WNBA history, and it has begun with a fractious CBA negotiation for its economic future.
@sabreenajm.bsky.social @benpickman.bsky.social and I get wonky about the WNBA
youtu.be/KertyenwTBU
Or get it everywhere you get your podcasts
Sandy Brondello is officially the new (and first) coach of the Toronto Tempo
We chatted @theathletic.com about being a sought-after coaching FA, her exit from the New York Liberty, what drew her to Toronto and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
We chatted @theathletic.com about being a sought-after coaching FA, her exit from the New York Liberty, what drew her to Toronto and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Toronto Tempo coach Sandy Brondello: ‘We’re building a world-class franchise’
Brondello spoke to The Athletic about leaving the Liberty and being one of a few former WNBA players who are head coaches.
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Sandy Brondello is officially the new (and first) coach of the Toronto Tempo
We chatted @theathletic.com about being a sought-after coaching FA, her exit from the New York Liberty, what drew her to Toronto and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
We chatted @theathletic.com about being a sought-after coaching FA, her exit from the New York Liberty, what drew her to Toronto and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I give our predictions for the WCBB season! Player of the Year, surprise team, national champion and more!
Plus, a weekend recap — NYC Marathon (!), Dodgers, and more — and we debut a new game
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhaE...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I give our predictions for the WCBB season! Player of the Year, surprise team, national champion and more!
Plus, a weekend recap — NYC Marathon (!), Dodgers, and more — and we debut a new game
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhaE...
Predicting this Season in Women's College Hoops
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
www.youtube.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:52 PM
New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I give our predictions for the WCBB season! Player of the Year, surprise team, national champion and more!
Plus, a weekend recap — NYC Marathon (!), Dodgers, and more — and we debut a new game
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhaE...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I give our predictions for the WCBB season! Player of the Year, surprise team, national champion and more!
Plus, a weekend recap — NYC Marathon (!), Dodgers, and more — and we debut a new game
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhaE...
A source familiar with the negotiations tells
@theathletic.com that the WNBA also — so either party — has the ability to terminate the extension at any time with 48 hours' notice.
@theathletic.com that the WNBA also — so either party — has the ability to terminate the extension at any time with 48 hours' notice.
The WNBPA in statement w/ @theathletic.com re: the 30-day CBA extension said:
"While we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.”
"While we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.”
October 31, 2025 at 4:05 PM
A source familiar with the negotiations tells
@theathletic.com that the WNBA also — so either party — has the ability to terminate the extension at any time with 48 hours' notice.
@theathletic.com that the WNBA also — so either party — has the ability to terminate the extension at any time with 48 hours' notice.
The WNBPA in statement w/ @theathletic.com re: the 30-day CBA extension said:
"While we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.”
"While we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.”
October 31, 2025 at 1:55 PM
The WNBPA in statement w/ @theathletic.com re: the 30-day CBA extension said:
"While we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.”
"While we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.”