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
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.”
The WNBA responded to an early-week WNBPA counterproposal with a proposal of its own on Wednesday, as the two sides continued to meet over the last few days.
More on the state of the talks, and where things go from here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
More on the state of the talks, and where things go from here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
October 31, 2025 at 2:09 AM
The WNBA responded to an early-week WNBPA counterproposal with a proposal of its own on Wednesday, as the two sides continued to meet over the last few days.
More on the state of the talks, and where things go from here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
More on the state of the talks, and where things go from here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Our newser on the 30-day CBA extension between the WNBA, WNBPA
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
October 31, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Our newser on the 30-day CBA extension between the WNBA, WNBPA
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
The WNBA and the WNBPA reached a resolution on Thursday for a 30-day extension on their CBA deal, league sources told @theathletic.com
October 31, 2025 at 12:13 AM
The WNBA and the WNBPA reached a resolution on Thursday for a 30-day extension on their CBA deal, league sources told @theathletic.com
The WNBA and the WNBPA reached a resolution on Thursday for a 30-day extension on their CBA deal, league sources told @theathletic.com.
The extension will run through 11/30.
The extension will run through 11/30.
October 31, 2025 at 12:14 AM
The WNBA and the WNBPA reached a resolution on Thursday for a 30-day extension on their CBA deal, league sources told @theathletic.com.
The extension will run through 11/30.
The extension will run through 11/30.
Reposted by Ben Pickman
“Last year, three trainers were split among the six teams. This season, each team will have its own dedicated athletic trainer, as well as its own strength and performance coach. Every club will also have a designated player development coach."
Unrivaled announced three new players and its eight coaches on Thursday, but those are only some of its changes for Year 2.
Talked to league GM Clare Duwelius about both roster/staffing decisions, and what else is new/should be expected this season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Talked to league GM Clare Duwelius about both roster/staffing decisions, and what else is new/should be expected this season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Unrivaled women’s pro basketball league announces 8 head coaches, 3 new players for Year 2
The league announced a number of significant changes ahead of its second year.
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:55 PM
“Last year, three trainers were split among the six teams. This season, each team will have its own dedicated athletic trainer, as well as its own strength and performance coach. Every club will also have a designated player development coach."
Unrivaled announced three new players and its eight coaches on Thursday, but those are only some of its changes for Year 2.
Talked to league GM Clare Duwelius about both roster/staffing decisions, and what else is new/should be expected this season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Talked to league GM Clare Duwelius about both roster/staffing decisions, and what else is new/should be expected this season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Unrivaled women’s pro basketball league announces 8 head coaches, 3 new players for Year 2
The league announced a number of significant changes ahead of its second year.
www.nytimes.com
October 30, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Unrivaled announced three new players and its eight coaches on Thursday, but those are only some of its changes for Year 2.
Talked to league GM Clare Duwelius about both roster/staffing decisions, and what else is new/should be expected this season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Talked to league GM Clare Duwelius about both roster/staffing decisions, and what else is new/should be expected this season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
No, the WNBA does not immediately enter into a work stoppage even if a new CBA isn't reached before Friday/an extension isn't agreed upon
On status quo, the benefits/drawbacks of different options + how the government shutdown (!) could impact what's next
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
On status quo, the benefits/drawbacks of different options + how the government shutdown (!) could impact what's next
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
If the WNBA doesn’t reach a CBA agreement by Friday’s deadline, what’s next?
Is a work stoppage in the future?
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:39 PM
No, the WNBA does not immediately enter into a work stoppage even if a new CBA isn't reached before Friday/an extension isn't agreed upon
On status quo, the benefits/drawbacks of different options + how the government shutdown (!) could impact what's next
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
On status quo, the benefits/drawbacks of different options + how the government shutdown (!) could impact what's next
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
No, the WNBA does not immediately enter into a work stoppage even if a new CBA isn't reached before Friday/an extension isn't agreed upon
On status quo, the benefits/drawbacks of different options + how the government shutdown (!) could impact what's next
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
On status quo, the benefits/drawbacks of different options + how the government shutdown (!) could impact what's next
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
If the WNBA doesn’t reach a CBA agreement by Friday’s deadline, what’s next?
Is a work stoppage in the future?
www.nytimes.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:39 PM
No, the WNBA does not immediately enter into a work stoppage even if a new CBA isn't reached before Friday/an extension isn't agreed upon
On status quo, the benefits/drawbacks of different options + how the government shutdown (!) could impact what's next
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
On status quo, the benefits/drawbacks of different options + how the government shutdown (!) could impact what's next
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
In what's been a busy day in CBA world...
Sources with knowledge of the discussion can confirm that the WNBA did offer a 30-day extension to the WNBPA today.
Unclear, however, if the players will elect to accept the extension offer.
Sources with knowledge of the discussion can confirm that the WNBA did offer a 30-day extension to the WNBPA today.
Unclear, however, if the players will elect to accept the extension offer.
NEWS: The WNBA and the WNBPA are extremely unlikely to reach a new CBA by Friday’s deadline, according to the players’ union legal counsel.
“In a dance, it takes two to tango. And it has been difficult to find a beat.”
More from @benpickman.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
“In a dance, it takes two to tango. And it has been difficult to find a beat.”
More from @benpickman.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
WNBA collective bargaining agreement will not meet deadline, players’ legal counsel says
The deadline to reach a deal is Friday, but the league and union could agree to an extension, which would postpone the deadline.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 11:36 PM
In what's been a busy day in CBA world...
Sources with knowledge of the discussion can confirm that the WNBA did offer a 30-day extension to the WNBPA today.
Unclear, however, if the players will elect to accept the extension offer.
Sources with knowledge of the discussion can confirm that the WNBA did offer a 30-day extension to the WNBPA today.
Unclear, however, if the players will elect to accept the extension offer.
In a statement to The Athletic, a WNBA spokesperson said that while the league submitted its most recent proposal on Oct. 1, the union did not respond until yesterday.
More below, on the latest in the W CBA
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
More below, on the latest in the W CBA
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
October 28, 2025 at 7:36 PM
In a statement to The Athletic, a WNBA spokesperson said that while the league submitted its most recent proposal on Oct. 1, the union did not respond until yesterday.
More below, on the latest in the W CBA
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
More below, on the latest in the W CBA
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
NEWS: The WNBA and the WNBPA are extremely unlikely to reach a new CBA by Friday’s deadline, according to the players’ union legal counsel.
“In a dance, it takes two to tango. And it has been difficult to find a beat.”
More from @benpickman.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
“In a dance, it takes two to tango. And it has been difficult to find a beat.”
More from @benpickman.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
WNBA collective bargaining agreement will not meet deadline, players’ legal counsel says
The deadline to reach a deal is Friday, but the league and union could agree to an extension, which would postpone the deadline.
www.nytimes.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:22 PM
NEWS: The WNBA and the WNBPA are extremely unlikely to reach a new CBA by Friday’s deadline, according to the players’ union legal counsel.
“In a dance, it takes two to tango. And it has been difficult to find a beat.”
More from @benpickman.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
“In a dance, it takes two to tango. And it has been difficult to find a beat.”
More from @benpickman.bsky.social ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
And some CBA NEWS from the show:
“We have worked hard to be able to say on Friday, we did it. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen... I’m not hopeful that (agreeing to a deal by Friday) is going to come to fruition.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
“We have worked hard to be able to say on Friday, we did it. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen... I’m not hopeful that (agreeing to a deal by Friday) is going to come to fruition.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
October 28, 2025 at 2:16 PM
And some CBA NEWS from the show:
“We have worked hard to be able to say on Friday, we did it. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen... I’m not hopeful that (agreeing to a deal by Friday) is going to come to fruition.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
“We have worked hard to be able to say on Friday, we did it. Unfortunately, that’s not going to happen... I’m not hopeful that (agreeing to a deal by Friday) is going to come to fruition.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
New No Offseason Ep!
A deep-dive on the WNBA CBA negotiation. @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I give a primer on the talks.
Then, Erin D. Drake, senior advisor/legal counsel for the WNBPA joins us to share in-the-room insights and perspective:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VopE...
A deep-dive on the WNBA CBA negotiation. @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I give a primer on the talks.
Then, Erin D. Drake, senior advisor/legal counsel for the WNBPA joins us to share in-the-room insights and perspective:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VopE...
Will the WNBA and Players’ Union Reach an Agreement In Time?
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
www.youtube.com
October 28, 2025 at 1:38 PM
New No Offseason Ep!
A deep-dive on the WNBA CBA negotiation. @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I give a primer on the talks.
Then, Erin D. Drake, senior advisor/legal counsel for the WNBPA joins us to share in-the-room insights and perspective:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VopE...
A deep-dive on the WNBA CBA negotiation. @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I give a primer on the talks.
Then, Erin D. Drake, senior advisor/legal counsel for the WNBPA joins us to share in-the-room insights and perspective:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VopE...
The Dallas Wings have officially announced Jose Fernandez as their next head coach.
In a statement, GM Curt Miller highlights Fernandez as a "respected veteran" coach in WBB, a "proven winner," and international WBB acumen, among other draws.
Press conference is set for Nov. 6
In a statement, GM Curt Miller highlights Fernandez as a "respected veteran" coach in WBB, a "proven winner," and international WBB acumen, among other draws.
Press conference is set for Nov. 6
October 27, 2025 at 4:08 PM
The Dallas Wings have officially announced Jose Fernandez as their next head coach.
In a statement, GM Curt Miller highlights Fernandez as a "respected veteran" coach in WBB, a "proven winner," and international WBB acumen, among other draws.
Press conference is set for Nov. 6
In a statement, GM Curt Miller highlights Fernandez as a "respected veteran" coach in WBB, a "proven winner," and international WBB acumen, among other draws.
Press conference is set for Nov. 6
A number of Raman's former players on the Liberty and Grizzlies are already publicly congratulating her on the Storm opportunity.
t.co/rO3qku78Kq
t.co/rO3qku78Kq
October 24, 2025 at 9:07 PM
A number of Raman's former players on the Liberty and Grizzlies are already publicly congratulating her on the Storm opportunity.
t.co/rO3qku78Kq
t.co/rO3qku78Kq