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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

🚨 SOME PERSONAL NEWS 🚨 This is my last week at The Athletic... More to come soon!

Over the past three years, I’ve worked alongside some of the most talented people in sports media. I’ve written countless stories I’m proud of — features datelined from around the world and from the sidelines of some of the most thrilling moments in the U.S. We launched a podcast! Seeing the growth in our No Offseason community has been a particular highlight (as has been hearing from so many of you about it). Rest assured, it will continue on.

It’s hard to step away from working with so many colleagues who have become friends. But that’s what I’m doing, and I’m excited for what my next chapter holds.

Please continue to follow my brilliant colleagues covering WBB at The Athletic. And thank you for reading and listening. I’ll be forever grateful. More to come soon…

Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

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"

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

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

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

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...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 25/11/2025

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...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 31/10/2025

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.”

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

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...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 24/10/2025

A number of Raman's former players on the Liberty and Grizzlies are already publicly congratulating her on the Storm opportunity. t.co/rO3qku78Kq

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

This is either A) Ndamukong Suh hearing about my performance in pickup basketball last weekend... or B) His reaction to me discussing the WNBA CBA tension You be the judge. Either way, talked W CBA — updates, meetings, where things go from here on his podcast: www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-bL...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 22/10/2025

More CBA news/updates @theathletic.com During the WNBA Finals, a number of WNBPA executive committee members, including Napheesa Collier, met in-person with Cathy Engelbert. More on that meeting, and subsequent meetings in our story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Here is the pool report from Game 4 of the 2025 WNBA Finals. Per crew chief Roy Gulbeyan, Tibbetts was assessed two seperate technicals for yelling, "that's fuck--- terrible," twice.

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

“Peanut butter and jelly! Breakfast of champions,” Mark Davis said.

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 11/10/2025

Nate Tibbetts said it was “bullsh—“ that he got ejected. He said it was one of the “weakest” double technicals he’s ever seen. He added that he did not get an explanation as to why he was ejected, though, he said he deserved a first technical. But a second? He said was “weak”

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 09/10/2025

A’ja Wilson. What a time for her first basket in more than four minutes.

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 06/10/2025

FROM THE FLOOR OF GAME 2 OF THE WNBA FINALS — New No Offseason Ep! @sabreenajm.bsky.social, Marcus Thompson and I break down everything we saw Sunday -Jackie Young’s Q3 -A’ja’s dominance -Chelsea Gray’s passing and defense -Does Phoenix still have a shot? youtu.be/8bn08D6VM6A?...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 05/10/2025

Sami Whitcomb had to go back to the locker room in the third quarter of Game 1, but said on Saturday that her right leg injury was "fine" and she doesn't expect it to be an issue.

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 04/10/2025

FROM THE FLOOR OF GAME 1 OF THE WNBA FINALS — New No Offseason Ep! @sabreenajm.bsky.social react to everything we saw and heard Friday night. -Cathy Engelbert's pregame address -Vegas bench -Aces zone -AT's FTs -Game 2 preview 🔈: podfollow.com/no-offseason 📺: www.youtube.com/@No-Offseason

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 01/10/2025

Went on the Dan Patrick Show this morning talking Napheesa Collier's comments, CBA negotiations, WNBA officiating and what's next in this critical WNBA moment www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeLu...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

The Dallas Wings have relieved Chris Koclanes of head coach duties, team announces. "As we enter a pivotal point in our team’s future, we felt a change in leadership at this time was best for our organization."

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 30/09/2025

The WNBPA has issued a statement re: Napheesa Collier's comments. "The leaders of the league and its teams would benefit from listening to her powerful statement. The players know their value even if the league does not."

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

Cheryl Reeve has been suspended for Sunday's Game 4 against the Phoenix Mercury.

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

In honor of the Mercury's Game 4 on Sunday forcing the Jonas Brothers to move their Phoenix concert to Monday, I debuted a game at the end of our No Offseason Ep: Jonas Brothers lyric or Diana Taurasi quote. CC: @zenakeita.bsky.social/ @sabreenajm.bsky.social www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx-m...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Breanna Stewart didn’t practice on Tuesday, according to Sandy Brondello, but is a “game-time decision” for Wednesday’s game. “If she’s able to go, she’ll go.”

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 10/09/2025

"Yet another day of being grateful to be their coach." Mystics coach Sydney Johnson took time during shootaround to reflect on the season. He also has a tradition of not going into the locker room postgame before he high-5s every player. Some thoughts on the year:

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 12/08/2025

H/T to @zenakeita.bsky.social for giving me the chance to talk about my half-court trickshot New No Offseason Ep! Me, @zenakeita.bsky.social, @sabreenajm.bsky.social. We talk rivalry week?, WNBA MVP debate?, W half-court shooting traditions. Subscribe/follow! www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOR0...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 10/08/2025

Former Liberty guard Jaylyn Sherrod warming up ahead of what could be her debut with the Lynx

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

The WNBA shared a new statement re: the recent incidents w/ @theathletic.com Via a WNBA spokesperson: "We are working closely with local and federal law enforcement to pursue all appropriate actions...against anyone engaged in this conduct..." Full below⬇️

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

Got interview in an elevator recently! That's a new one! Talked about covering the WNBA, Ellie the Elephant, my backpack essentials and more! Follow MyNYTimes for more BTS content like this! www.instagram.com/p/DNDz5S0Rvwg/

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

Ben Stiller, Zach Cherry, and John Turturro posing with the Liberty postgame

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 06/08/2025

For all the UConn fans out there … Huskies associate head coach Chris Dailey was just shown on the jumbotron for Liberty celebrity row. Ben Stiller is also here, but Dailey gets the first nod

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

NEWS: Steve Pagliuca, a prospective buyer of the CT Sun, has released a statement re: his offer to buy the team PagsGroup has "offered to acquire the CT Sun with the objective of keeping New England's WNBA team in New England...Our offer is subject to obtaining the league required approvals."

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

In a statement to @theathletic.com, Mohegan leadership said: "Mohegan Leadership continues to run their process of looking at different avenues of investment opportunities for the CT Sun." Full statement below...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

Here’s a statement from a WNBA Spokesperson to @theathletic.com re: a potential sale of the Sun to Steve Pagliuca (and a potential move to Boston)

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 22/07/2025

Breanna Stewart currently has a new Liberty-themed Labubu with her right now

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

Yes, there’s plenty of action occurring on the court, but for those mascot enthusiasts out there, there’s lot of interactions like this occurring just feet from the floor. Doppler (Storm) was just fixing the hair of Lightning (Wings).

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 20/07/2025

Caitlin Clark may not be playing tonight but here’s what it sounded like when she was introduced during pregame introductions

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 19/07/2025

Here’s Azzi, Flau’jae, Hannah and Strong taking part in the NIL announcement

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

Here’s a look at the new Nike Sabrina 3 Her latest shoe and accompanying apparel collection will be available July 24

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

As of 4:56 p.m. ET - when I was walking into Barclays Center - Julie Vanloo was also literally waiting outside the arena, too Here she was 30 mins later, warming up ahead of her Los Angeles Sparks debut. (Coach Lynne Roberts said she’ll throw JV in tonight vs NY)

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

The Liberty unveiled an art installation outside of Barclays Center by artist LaToya Ruby Frazier showcasing portraits of members of the team — one portrait of them in uniform and another is with their chosen family Each nine-foot-tall frame also includes a personal essay

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 03/07/2025

a pretty interesting Q&A from @mikevorkunov.bsky.social ov with Nic Barlage, CEO of the new Cleveland franchise -On whether the Rockers will be the name -On the NBA/WNBA dynamics -Plus this, long-term projection.... "If this thing gets to 25, 30 teams, which we think it will" ⤵️

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

The iconic Red Panda just left the court in a wheelchair after falling less than a minute into her famed halftime act. She briefly got up, with assistance, appearing to hold her back, before she was eventually taken to the back of Target Center in a wheelchair

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 01/07/2025

Caitlin Clark is not present on-court for the beginning of Fever shootaround. Coach Steph White said that Clark will be a “gametime decision.” “We’ll see what happens as we go through shootaround. Again, I think the most important thing for us is the big picture”

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 30/06/2025

The WNBA is expanding to 18 franchises. Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia will be new league markets as WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced a historic group of league expansion. www.nytimes.com/athletic/646...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 25/06/2025

They’re ready for Cooper Flagg pictured just a few blocks from Barclays Center.

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

Pictured below is what we @theathletic.bsky.social reported back in March about DB ending up in Indy... And our newser with the latest on DB's absence from the Fever: www.nytimes.com/athletic/644...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 14/06/2025

Caitlin Clark beginning her warmup ahead of her return from a quad strain Clark hasn’t played since facing the Liberty on May 24

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

New No Offseason Ep! Me, @zenakeita.bsky.social + @sabreenajm.bsky.social. First, some thoughts after being around the Sky earlier this week Then, a breakdown of first-year head coaches. Philosophies, what we've seen/heard, highs/lows. What makes a good coach? www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaW1...

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

There are WNBA 3-point lines on some of the courts at Brooklyn Bridge Park as part of the W’s Line ‘Em Up launch. That doesn’t bode well for me considering I could only barely make 3s here before

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Ben Pickman @benpickman.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

NEWS: New York Liberty center Nyara Sabally is withdrawing from playing with Germany at the upcoming EuroBasket tournament. Via Germany basketball: www.basketball-bund.de/dbb-damen-oh...

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