How the 2026 Rookie of the Year Became WNBA's Most Competitive Race

The WNBA's rookie class is making its mark, and Zena and Annie break down who's rising as the season heats up. They debate the leading Rookie of the Year contenders, highlight the biggest surprises, and predict which first-year players are poised for a breakout after the All-Star break. Plus, we break down the NCAA's new five-year eligibility rule and what it means for college athletes. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter: 00:00 Intro 00:50 Fever defeat Mercury 111-109 01:09 Caitlin Clark exits game early with back injury 06:34 Fever to wait and see on Caitlin Clarks back 10:15 Allisha Gray exits game with upper body injury 12:51 Kelsey Plum sidelined indefinitely with lower leg injury 19:30 Is the ROY race wide open? 32:20 The rise of Pauline Astier 37:28 Kiki Rice out indefinitely due to ankle sprain 38:18 How will Kiki Rice bounce back from injury? 43:24 Inside Gabriela Jaquezs impact on the floor 48:23 Which rookies will break out after the All-Star break? 57:54 Explaining the NCAAs new 5-year rule Follow and listen to the audio podcast: Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever youre listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason [ -TikTok: @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: Full Episodes Playlist: Shorts Playlist: