Ben Pickman
@benpickman.bsky.social
Staff writer at The Athletic covering WBB | the athletic WBB show | Prev: Sports Illustrated, CNN Sports |bpickman@theathletic.com | he/him
NEWS: Napheesa Collier will miss the upcoming Unrivaled season as she is set to undergo surgery on both of her ankles next week
Her recovery/rehab might also impact her start of the WNBA season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Her recovery/rehab might also impact her start of the WNBA season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Napheesa Collier to miss Unrivaled season and possible WNBA start after ankle surgeries
The Lynx star is expected to need four to six months of recovery after next week's surgery.
www.nytimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:59 PM
NEWS: Napheesa Collier will miss the upcoming Unrivaled season as she is set to undergo surgery on both of her ankles next week
Her recovery/rehab might also impact her start of the WNBA season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Her recovery/rehab might also impact her start of the WNBA season
www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...
Our final No Offseason Ep of the Year!!
Our Year in WBB, awards wrap-up. @sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I name our top games, performances, quotes, reporting stories and more...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_qy...
Our Year in WBB, awards wrap-up. @sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I name our top games, performances, quotes, reporting stories and more...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_qy...
How A’ja Wilson Won 2025 | Our Best Moments of the Year
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
www.youtube.com
December 30, 2025 at 8:09 PM
Our final No Offseason Ep of the Year!!
Our Year in WBB, awards wrap-up. @sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I name our top games, performances, quotes, reporting stories and more...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_qy...
Our Year in WBB, awards wrap-up. @sabreenajm.bsky.social, @zenakeita.bsky.social and I name our top games, performances, quotes, reporting stories and more...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_qy...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
Looks like we've gotten more people on here lately. So it's time to share this if you're looking for more smart, fun, interesting accounts to follow for NBA, WNBA, and basketball in general
go.bsky.app/FGmgtea
go.bsky.app/FGmgtea
December 19, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Looks like we've gotten more people on here lately. So it's time to share this if you're looking for more smart, fun, interesting accounts to follow for NBA, WNBA, and basketball in general
go.bsky.app/FGmgtea
go.bsky.app/FGmgtea
New No Offseason Ep!
@sabreenajm.bsky.social Merchant and I react to the WNBPA's latest CBA move, what else we've learned, and what's next
Then, Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez joins us. We discuss his 8 (!) rescue dogs, the state of CBB, coaching Paige and more
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LFs...
@sabreenajm.bsky.social Merchant and I react to the WNBPA's latest CBA move, what else we've learned, and what's next
Then, Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez joins us. We discuss his 8 (!) rescue dogs, the state of CBB, coaching Paige and more
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LFs...
Jose Fernandez on Coaching Paige Bueckers—and Why the WNBA Was the Right Next Step
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
www.youtube.com
December 19, 2025 at 2:29 PM
New No Offseason Ep!
@sabreenajm.bsky.social Merchant and I react to the WNBPA's latest CBA move, what else we've learned, and what's next
Then, Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez joins us. We discuss his 8 (!) rescue dogs, the state of CBB, coaching Paige and more
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LFs...
@sabreenajm.bsky.social Merchant and I react to the WNBPA's latest CBA move, what else we've learned, and what's next
Then, Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez joins us. We discuss his 8 (!) rescue dogs, the state of CBB, coaching Paige and more
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LFs...
The WNBPA's vote to authorize its executive committee to call for a strike when necessary occured earlier this week.
Results were received Thursday.
More on the timeline, league's latest proposal and what's next. With @sabreenajm.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Results were received Thursday.
More on the timeline, league's latest proposal and what's next. With @sabreenajm.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
WNBPA authorizes executive committee to call for strike ‘when necessary’ amid CBA talks
The announcement marked the latest development in a tense saga of labor talks between the union and league.
www.nytimes.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:40 PM
The WNBPA's vote to authorize its executive committee to call for a strike when necessary occured earlier this week.
Results were received Thursday.
More on the timeline, league's latest proposal and what's next. With @sabreenajm.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Results were received Thursday.
More on the timeline, league's latest proposal and what's next. With @sabreenajm.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
The WNBA has released the following statement re: the WNBPA's strike authorization vote.
"While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations"
"While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations"
December 18, 2025 at 10:45 PM
The WNBA has released the following statement re: the WNBPA's strike authorization vote.
"While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations"
"While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations"
The league was not surprised by the WNBPA's decision to authorize its executive committee to call for a strike when necessary, sources told The Athletic.
The two sides have been meeting throughout the week, and have continued exchanging proposals since their last extension
The two sides have been meeting throughout the week, and have continued exchanging proposals since their last extension
December 18, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The league was not surprised by the WNBPA's decision to authorize its executive committee to call for a strike when necessary, sources told The Athletic.
The two sides have been meeting throughout the week, and have continued exchanging proposals since their last extension
The two sides have been meeting throughout the week, and have continued exchanging proposals since their last extension
Joined @seeratsohi.bsky.social and the Ringer WNBA show to talk more about my recent CBA reporting (see link)… but we talked about a lot else. Including what’s mentioned below. Plus, Seerat’s on-court basketball skillset 😂!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
new pod! @benpickman.bsky.social stops by to break down his excellent reporting on the latest in CBA negotiations. plus we chat team USA and the new tempo jerseys
open.spotify.com/episode/16P9...
open.spotify.com/episode/16P9...
CBA Updates and the Team USA Minicamp
open.spotify.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:01 PM
Joined @seeratsohi.bsky.social and the Ringer WNBA show to talk more about my recent CBA reporting (see link)… but we talked about a lot else. Including what’s mentioned below. Plus, Seerat’s on-court basketball skillset 😂!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
Adam Silver is "optimistic" there will be a deal on a new WNBA CBA.
"We acknowledge that our players deserve to be paid significantly more than they have so far based on the increased success of the league," he said. "It’s just a question of finding a meeting of the minds on what is a fair deal."
"We acknowledge that our players deserve to be paid significantly more than they have so far based on the increased success of the league," he said. "It’s just a question of finding a meeting of the minds on what is a fair deal."
December 17, 2025 at 1:01 AM
Adam Silver is "optimistic" there will be a deal on a new WNBA CBA.
"We acknowledge that our players deserve to be paid significantly more than they have so far based on the increased success of the league," he said. "It’s just a question of finding a meeting of the minds on what is a fair deal."
"We acknowledge that our players deserve to be paid significantly more than they have so far based on the increased success of the league," he said. "It’s just a question of finding a meeting of the minds on what is a fair deal."
NEWS: The WNBPA is asking for more than double the share of revenue proposed by the league
The WNBPA's proposed salary system entitles players to around 30% of league/team rev.
Union also proposing:
-2 developmental player spots
-Increased security
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The WNBPA's proposed salary system entitles players to around 30% of league/team rev.
Union also proposing:
-2 developmental player spots
-Increased security
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
December 15, 2025 at 1:49 PM
NEWS: The WNBPA is asking for more than double the share of revenue proposed by the league
The WNBPA's proposed salary system entitles players to around 30% of league/team rev.
Union also proposing:
-2 developmental player spots
-Increased security
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The WNBPA's proposed salary system entitles players to around 30% of league/team rev.
Union also proposing:
-2 developmental player spots
-Increased security
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
NEWS: Sources told @theathletic.com, the WNBPA’s salary system proposal would entitle players to around 30% of league/team revenue — more than double the league's proposed share
Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources
The league and union are also negotiating on parental leave, retirement benefits as deadline extension looms.
www.nytimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:20 PM
NEWS: Sources told @theathletic.com, the WNBPA’s salary system proposal would entitle players to around 30% of league/team revenue — more than double the league's proposed share
Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
NEWS: Sources told @theathletic.com, the WNBPA’s salary system proposal would entitle players to around 30% of league/team revenue — more than double the league's proposed share
Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
WNBA players’ proposal more than double revenue share proposed by league: Sources
The league and union are also negotiating on parental leave, retirement benefits as deadline extension looms.
www.nytimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 12:20 PM
NEWS: Sources told @theathletic.com, the WNBPA’s salary system proposal would entitle players to around 30% of league/team revenue — more than double the league's proposed share
Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Full details on the system, 2 proposed developmental spots(!), # of games + more
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss A'ja Wilson's Time honor and Chris DeMarco's Liberty intro presser.
Then, Seattle Storm coach Sonia Raman joins us. We discuss her unique journey, coaching Malonga and much more.
youtu.be/sBxpzEonQS4?...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss A'ja Wilson's Time honor and Chris DeMarco's Liberty intro presser.
Then, Seattle Storm coach Sonia Raman joins us. We discuss her unique journey, coaching Malonga and much more.
youtu.be/sBxpzEonQS4?...
Sonia Raman gets candid on coaching Dominique Malonga, WNBA transition & more
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
youtu.be
December 12, 2025 at 3:14 PM
New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss A'ja Wilson's Time honor and Chris DeMarco's Liberty intro presser.
Then, Seattle Storm coach Sonia Raman joins us. We discuss her unique journey, coaching Malonga and much more.
youtu.be/sBxpzEonQS4?...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I discuss A'ja Wilson's Time honor and Chris DeMarco's Liberty intro presser.
Then, Seattle Storm coach Sonia Raman joins us. We discuss her unique journey, coaching Malonga and much more.
youtu.be/sBxpzEonQS4?...
Liberty coach Chris DeMarco has concluded his intro press conference and is set to appear at a youth clinic across the street.
The kids participating all made him welcome signs
The kids participating all made him welcome signs
December 10, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Liberty coach Chris DeMarco has concluded his intro press conference and is set to appear at a youth clinic across the street.
The kids participating all made him welcome signs
The kids participating all made him welcome signs
New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I ask (and answer) a big question about each of the four power conferences in WCBB. Thoughts on Michigan, Audi Crooks, the lack of an ACC power, SEC depth and much more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHJz...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I ask (and answer) a big question about each of the four power conferences in WCBB. Thoughts on Michigan, Audi Crooks, the lack of an ACC power, SEC depth and much more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHJz...
Which Conference Really Runs Women's Hoops?
YouTube video by No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
www.youtube.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:45 PM
New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I ask (and answer) a big question about each of the four power conferences in WCBB. Thoughts on Michigan, Audi Crooks, the lack of an ACC power, SEC depth and much more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHJz...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I ask (and answer) a big question about each of the four power conferences in WCBB. Thoughts on Michigan, Audi Crooks, the lack of an ACC power, SEC depth and much more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHJz...
New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I share more about our latest reporting on the WNBA CBA negotiations,
Then, we dive fully into our Expansion Draft exercise. On player protections, draft set-up, specific picks and more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAcW...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I share more about our latest reporting on the WNBA CBA negotiations,
Then, we dive fully into our Expansion Draft exercise. On player protections, draft set-up, specific picks and more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAcW...
December 5, 2025 at 2:38 PM
New No Offseason Ep!
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I share more about our latest reporting on the WNBA CBA negotiations,
Then, we dive fully into our Expansion Draft exercise. On player protections, draft set-up, specific picks and more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAcW...
@zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I share more about our latest reporting on the WNBA CBA negotiations,
Then, we dive fully into our Expansion Draft exercise. On player protections, draft set-up, specific picks and more.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAcW...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
A year ago this week, the Valkyries held their expansion draft.
So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
WNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select?
Our experts make the picks for the WNBA's two newest teams. A four-time WNBA All-Star is among the players on the move.
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
A year ago this week, the Valkyries held their expansion draft.
So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
A year ago this week, the Valkyries held their expansion draft.
So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
WNBA mock expansion draft: Who will Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire select?
Our experts make the picks for the WNBA's two newest teams. A four-time WNBA All-Star is among the players on the move.
www.nytimes.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
A year ago this week, the Valkyries held their expansion draft.
So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
So to mark the occasion, @sabreenajm.bsky.social and I conducted a mock expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. We mapped out rules, team protections, and then made our picks.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
NEWS: Among the more than a half-dozen new CBA proposal items we’re reporting on, the WNBA has proposed a draft combine.
Players that are invited, and elect not to participate without an excused absence would have their salaries reduced.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Players that are invited, and elect not to participate without an excused absence would have their salaries reduced.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
December 3, 2025 at 6:44 PM
NEWS: Among the more than a half-dozen new CBA proposal items we’re reporting on, the WNBA has proposed a draft combine.
Players that are invited, and elect not to participate without an excused absence would have their salaries reduced.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Players that are invited, and elect not to participate without an excused absence would have their salaries reduced.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Reposted by Ben Pickman
Sources told @theathletic.com the WNBA’s salary structure proposal would result in players receiving less than 15% of total league revenue.
Plus, news on many more proposal items with @benpickman.bsky.social, including a (mandatory?) draft combine, benefits and more. www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Plus, news on many more proposal items with @benpickman.bsky.social, including a (mandatory?) draft combine, benefits and more. www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
WNBA CBA proposal includes mandatory draft combine, new revenue-sharing model: Sources
The league proposed a draft combine requirement that ties participation to rookie salary.
www.nytimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Sources told @theathletic.com the WNBA’s salary structure proposal would result in players receiving less than 15% of total league revenue.
Plus, news on many more proposal items with @benpickman.bsky.social, including a (mandatory?) draft combine, benefits and more. www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
Plus, news on many more proposal items with @benpickman.bsky.social, including a (mandatory?) draft combine, benefits and more. www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
BREAKING Sources told @theathletic.com, the league’s salary structure proposal would result in players receiving less than 15% of total league revenue
Plus NEWS on nearly 10 more proposal items including a draft combine
nytimes.com/athletic/6857443/2025/12/03/wnba-cba-proposal-draft-combine-salary/
Plus NEWS on nearly 10 more proposal items including a draft combine
nytimes.com/athletic/6857443/2025/12/03/wnba-cba-proposal-draft-combine-salary/
WNBA CBA proposal includes mandatory draft combine, new revenue-sharing model: Sources
The league proposed a draft combine requirement that ties participation to rookie salary.
nytimes.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:34 PM
BREAKING Sources told @theathletic.com, the league’s salary structure proposal would result in players receiving less than 15% of total league revenue
Plus NEWS on nearly 10 more proposal items including a draft combine
nytimes.com/athletic/6857443/2025/12/03/wnba-cba-proposal-draft-combine-salary/
Plus NEWS on nearly 10 more proposal items including a draft combine
nytimes.com/athletic/6857443/2025/12/03/wnba-cba-proposal-draft-combine-salary/
Since everyone is talking about WNBA CBA proposals... I'd like to propose that all future CBA deadlines expire at *11:59 A.M ET* — and not just before midnight.
I think that's a proposal that would get unanimous approval (at least among WNBA media) 😂
I think that's a proposal that would get unanimous approval (at least among WNBA media) 😂
December 1, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Since everyone is talking about WNBA CBA proposals... I'd like to propose that all future CBA deadlines expire at *11:59 A.M ET* — and not just before midnight.
I think that's a proposal that would get unanimous approval (at least among WNBA media) 😂
I think that's a proposal that would get unanimous approval (at least among WNBA media) 😂
The WNBPA and WNBA have agreed to extend the CBA through Jan. 9...
Like last time, each party has a 48-hour termination clause.
"The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement," the league said.
Like last time, each party has a 48-hour termination clause.
"The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement," the league said.
In a statement to @theathletic.com, the WNBPA said that it has proposed a 6-week extension in the ongoing CBA negotiation.
"We expect substantive movement from the league within this window."
Unclear, at this time, how the league is/will respond to the offer. CBA expires tonight.
"We expect substantive movement from the league within this window."
Unclear, at this time, how the league is/will respond to the offer. CBA expires tonight.
December 1, 2025 at 4:39 AM
The WNBPA and WNBA have agreed to extend the CBA through Jan. 9...
Like last time, each party has a 48-hour termination clause.
"The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement," the league said.
Like last time, each party has a 48-hour termination clause.
"The WNBA and WNBPA are continuing to work toward a new agreement," the league said.
In a statement to @theathletic.com, the WNBPA said that it has proposed a 6-week extension in the ongoing CBA negotiation.
"We expect substantive movement from the league within this window."
Unclear, at this time, how the league is/will respond to the offer. CBA expires tonight.
"We expect substantive movement from the league within this window."
Unclear, at this time, how the league is/will respond to the offer. CBA expires tonight.
December 1, 2025 at 3:35 AM
In a statement to @theathletic.com, the WNBPA said that it has proposed a 6-week extension in the ongoing CBA negotiation.
"We expect substantive movement from the league within this window."
Unclear, at this time, how the league is/will respond to the offer. CBA expires tonight.
"We expect substantive movement from the league within this window."
Unclear, at this time, how the league is/will respond to the offer. CBA expires tonight.
Sunday is the deadline for the WNBA CBA to expire...
The league and WNBPA met Saturday and are expected to meet again today. Here's where things stand on deadline day, and what might be next:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
The league and WNBPA met Saturday and are expected to meet again today. Here's where things stand on deadline day, and what might be next:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
WNBA and players union near extension deadline without CBA resolution. What’s next?
Another delay could impact the winter calendar, including dates for the expansion draft and free agency.
www.nytimes.com
November 30, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Sunday is the deadline for the WNBA CBA to expire...
The league and WNBPA met Saturday and are expected to meet again today. Here's where things stand on deadline day, and what might be next:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...
The league and WNBPA met Saturday and are expected to meet again today. Here's where things stand on deadline day, and what might be next:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/684...