How The Valkyries Changed What It Takes To Win A Title
The Golden State Valkyries' historic championship has us asking: Is the formula for winning a WNBA title changing? Chantel and Annie break down how the Valkyries and Atlanta Dream challenged traditional ideas about championship contenders, proving that depth, chemistry, defense and impactful role players can be just as valuable as superstar power. They also discuss the importance of strong player-coach relationships and how record-breaking viewership reflects the continued growth of women's basketball. Plus, JuJu Watkins makes her highly anticipated return to the court. What does her comeback mean for USC's championship aspirations? The duo also weighs in on the New York Liberty's decision to part ways with head coach Chris DeMarco after just one season. What does this move mean for the franchise moving forward? And finally, with the WNBA's 30th season officially in the books, we take a look back at our favorite moments from a memorable season in women's basketball. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter: 00:00 Intro 01:21 JuJu Watkins makes long-awaited return 06:02 The New York Liberty move on from Chris DeMarco 09:47 What the Liberty need in their next head coach 13:05 Inside the Liberty's coaching decision 15:49 How Jonathan Kolb has navigated as the Liberty's GM 21:46 Why the GM matters in hiring the next coach 30:03 Lessons from the Dream and Valkyries 32:28 Why investing in scouting matters 37:16 Game 7 delivers historic WNBA viewership Related links and articles: Follow and listen to the audio podcast: Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you're 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 -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: Thumbnail: Noah Graham / Contributor / National Basketball Association via Getty Images Ezra Shaw / Staff / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
