Chiney Today

The WNBA Finals are TIED 2-2, and WE GOT A SERIES! 🔥🏆

The Golden State Valkyries bounced back with a gritty 67-62 win over the Atlanta Dream in Game 4, stealing the momentum back to the Bay Area as the championship hangs in the balance!

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by Ashanti Plummer to break down Tiffany Hayes' revenge tour against her former team, Natalie Nakase's bold starting lineup change, and how Golden State's physical defense disrupted Angel Reese and Atlanta's offense.

Plus, Chiney explains why Kiah Stokes deserves her flowers and reveals her Player of the Ga...

Angel Reese is taking over the WNBA Finals! 🔥🏆

The Atlanta Dream have taken a 2-1 series lead over the Golden State Valkyries following a dominant 97-71 Game 3 victory, and Angel Reese is already making a serious case for Finals MVP!

On this episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike is joined by 3x WNBA champion Alysha Clark to break down Angel Reese's historic Finals run, Atlanta's suffocating defense, and what Golden State needs to do to turn the series around.

Plus, Rhyne Howard steps up with a breakthrough performance, and Alysha shares the mentality needed...

Angel Reese took over Game 2 of the WNBA Finals!
After dropping 30 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, Angel Reese led the Atlanta Dream to a 79-65 win over the Golden State Valkyries, evening the championship series at 1-1 and giving Atlanta its first WNBA Finals win in franchise history.

Rachel DeMita joins Chiney Ogwumike for this Game 2 reaction to break down Angel's dominant performance, the Dream's defensive intensity, and the offensive struggles facing Golden State in Game 3. From Gabby Williams' minutes to Natalie Nakase's rotation decisions, what adjustments will the Valkyries need to make as the Finals...

Gabby Williams showed up when it mattered most!

The Golden State Valkyries strike first in the WNBA Finals, defeating Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream at home 68-64 in a defensive battle that came down to the final possessions.

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by basketball analyst and friend of the show Ashanti Plummer to break down Gabby Williams' 26-point performance, Kiah Stokes' defensive impact, and why Atlanta needs to keep Angel Reese involved after she went scoreless in the second half.

Plus, Atlanta rapper Belly Gang Kushington joins Chiney to discuss his friendship...

The stage is set for the 2026 WNBA Finals! 🏆 For the first time in franchise history, either the Atlanta Dream or Golden State Valkyries will be crowned WNBA champions. But who has the edge?

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by two special guests making their Chiney Today debuts to get you ready for the Finals, tipping off this Saturday! Atlanta Dream sideline reporter Autumn Johnson and ESPN's Golden State Valkyries Reporter Kendra Andrews go coast to coast to break down each team's path to the championship, the showdown between Angel Reese and Gabby Williams, and the X-factors that could dec...

BRING OUT THE BROOMS! 🧹🏀

The WNBA Finals are SET, and the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are heading to the Finals after two stunning semifinal sweeps!

On this special episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike is joined by her friend and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph (JayJo) to break down an unforgettable night of WNBA playoff basketball!

Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are headed to their first WNBA Finals since 2013 after sweeping the New York Liberty! Chiney and JayJo discuss Angel's impact on Atlanta, her improved three-point shooting, Jordin Canada's outstanding postse...

The New York Liberty had a timeout remaining... so why didn't they use it?! 😳

After a controversial overtime finish to Game 2 against the Atlanta Dream, Breanna Stewart and the Liberty are left searching for answers as Angel Reese, Jordin Canada, and Atlanta take a commanding 2-0 lead in the WNBA Semifinals.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries have the defending champs, the Las Vegas Aces, on their heels! Are A'ja Wilson and the Aces maxed out, or can they turn things around at home before it's too late?

In this reaction episode, Chiney Ogwumike is...

The WNBA semifinals are here, and Game 1 delivered!
Chiney Ogwumike and Ashanti Plummer break down the Atlanta Dream’s statement win over the New York Liberty, including Angel Reese showing exactly why she earned Defensive Player of the Year moments after being presented with the award, DeWanna Bonner's playoff experience on display, Jordin Canada’s huge two-way playoff performance, and what New York needs to fix to win Game 2. 
Then Chiney and Ashanti head West, where the Golden State Valkyries stunned the Las Vegas Aces behind a dominant rebounding performance led by Kiah Stokes’ defense of A’ja Wilson...

Chiney Ogwumike and JayDee Dyer break down an epic winner-take-all Game 3 between the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever, including A’ja Wilson’s dominant 36-point, 10-rebound performance and the experience and execution that helped Vegas advance to the semifinals.

Chiney also dives into the tactical adjustment that changed the game, as the Aces began blitzing Caitlin Clark and forcing the ball out of her hands and into Myisha Hines-Allen’s, while looking ahead at what Kelsey Mitchell and Indiana can take away from their breakout season.

Plus, Chiney and JayDee dive into Arike Ogunbowale’s histor...

The WNBA Playoffs are delivering!

Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph break down a historic night across the league as the New York Liberty sweep the No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx and advance, while Caitlin Clark delivers a huge performance to help the Indiana Fever force a decisive Game 3 against the Las Vegas Aces.

Chiney and JayJo also discuss what went wrong for Minnesota, whether the Lynx need changes this offseason, how Indiana’s Big Three responded with their season on the line, and the adjustments that helped slow down A’ja Wilson and the...

The WNBA Playoffs are here, and Day 1 delivered nothing but dominance!
Chiney Ogwumike and Ashanti Plummer break down a historic opening day that saw all four Playoff games in the W decided by 15+ points. Breanna Stewart reminded everyone exactly who she is with a huge performance in New York’s upset win over Minnesota. At the same time, A’ja Wilson dominated Indiana, scoring her career high with 38 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Plus, Chiney and Ashanti react to the Atlanta Dream’s second-half surge against the Washington Mystics, the Golden State Valkyries putting on an offensive clinic agains...

Chiney Ogwumike celebrates her sister Nneka Ogwumike as one of the most accomplished and influential players in WNBA history as she plays her final game with the LA Sparks.

In this special episode of Chiney Today, Chiney goes behind the scenes with the people who know Nneka best, including their parents, extended family, and Nneka’s agent, Tracy Hughes, to tell the story of the person behind the MVP, champion, 11-time All-Star, and longtime WNBPA president.

The Ogwumike family reflects on how basketball first entered their lives, the places the game has taken them, and th...

It’s awards time in the WNBA and some of the biggest races are still wide open. 🏆

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant to break down who deserves the hardware as the regular season comes down to the wire.

Who should be MVP: A’ja Wilson, Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark or Kelsey Mitchell? After running through the rest of the categories, Chiney and Sabreena debate whether MVP should reward the best individual season or the player whose impact translates most directly to winning. Sabreena makes the case for Olivia Miles, while Chiney ex...

Lisa Leslie joins Chiney Ogwumike for a special conversation ahead of becoming the first WNBA player to receive a statue at Star Plaza outside Crypto.com Arena.

Lisa opens up about the hidden details built into her statue, including four gold elements representing her four Olympic gold medals and a red lipstick detail inspired by her book Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You.
She also reflects on her close relationship with Kobe Bryant, why Kobe’s mother and sister will be at the unveiling, and the family moments she treasures most from their friendship.
Plus...

Team USA is golden again. 🥇🇺🇸 Chiney Ogwumike breaks down Team USA’s 97-79 win over France in the 2026 FIBA World Cup Final, extending its streak to 36 straight World Cup wins and securing a fifth consecutive World Cup championship. Ashanti Plummer joins Chiney LIVE from Berlin to share what it was like inside the arena as Team USA flipped the game in the second half. Chiney also goes to the tape to break down the adjustments that changed the game, including Kara Lawson’s elite substitutions, Breanna Stewart’s impact, Napheesa Collier’s hustle and Caitlin Clark’s huge three before halftime. Pl...

Team USA is headed to the FIBA World Cup semifinals after its most dominant performance of the tournament, a 108–56 win over Hungary!

In today’s episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph break down what made Team USA so effective, including the versatility of Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, the team’s transition attack, and the chemistry developing between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Chiney uses some new technology to explain where Team USA still has room to improve, including defensive breakdowns and potential rotation changes as the competition gets toughe...

Team USA is undefeated through the group stage of the 2026 FIBA World Cup… but they’re no longer ranked No. 1! 👀

In today’s episode, Chiney Ogwumike breaks down her biggest takeaways from Team USA’s run so far, including Caitlin Clark’s record-setting World Cup debut, the impact of Team USA’s “Young + Turnt” lineup, and why veteran experience seems to matter most in international play.

Chiney also details the three things WNBA players have to adjust to in their hunt for another gold medal — from the different ball and court surface to FIBA rules, physicality, and the...

The WNBA playoffs are almost here, and this year’s race is more wide open than ever.

Chiney Ogwumike and ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph break down the new WNBA playoff format, the tight standings, and the potential first-round matchups that could define the postseason. From the Minnesota Lynx holding onto the top spot to the Las Vegas Aces chasing another championship run, the field is packed with contenders and dangerous lower seeds.

They also dive into each possible matchup if the playoffs started today! Starting with a Lynx-Wings matchup featuring Olivia Miles, the Golden St...

The WNBA may be on FIBA World Cup break, but Chiney Today is hitting rewind on everything August gave us.

Chiney Ogwumike breaks down the biggest moments from a wild month in the W, including Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell taking the Indiana Fever to another level, Chelsea Gray’s double buzzer-beaters in the same game, and Angel Reese’s record-setting run on the glass.

Plus, Chiney looks at the Minnesota Lynx’s dominant stretch, DeWanna Bonner joining the Atlanta Dream for their playoff push, Nneka Ogwumike’s offensive run after announcing her retirement, and Diana Ta...

A new era of Team USA basketball has arrived.

Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, Angel Reese and Aliyah Boston join A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier and a loaded American roster at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin. Can this new generation help Team USA capture its fifth consecutive World Cup championship—or could France finally end nearly two decades of American dominance?

Chiney Ogwumike and Senior ESPN Researcher Jason Joseph break down Team USA’s revamped roster, the different dimensions Clark and Bueckers bring to the backcourt, and why A’ja and Stewie...

The WNBA playoffs are around the corner, and the contenders are separating themselves, so it’s time for Chiney to update her power rankings before international play begins.

Chiney Ogwumike and Senior ESPN Researcher Jason Joseph explain why Napheesa Collier, Olivia Miles and the Minnesota Lynx remain the team to beat. They move A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces into the No. 2 spot and debate whether the Golden State Valkyries have enough offense for a championship run.

After settling a heated Indiana Fever–Atlanta Dream debate to complete the top five, Chiney and Jason...

Chiney Ogwumike celebrates her big sister Nneka after the WNBA champion, MVP, and 11-time All-Star announced she will retire at the end of the season. Chiney shares when Nneka made her decision, what the final season has meant to their family, and why her impact on women’s basketball extends far beyond the court.

Plus, Chiney and Brandon discuss Azzi Fudd’s season-ending knee procedure, Kelsey Mitchell and the surging Indiana Fever, the Minnesota Lynx’s pursuit of WNBA history, and whether Nneka could eventually become league commissioner.

IN THIS EPISODE:

-Chi...

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever have built the most explosive offense in WNBA history. A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are chasing another championship. Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx have been the league’s most consistent team.

So, who is actually built to win it all?

Chiney breaks down what needs to happen for the Lynx, Valkyries, Aces, Fever, Dream, and Liberty to make a championship run. Can Indiana’s historic offense carry the Fever through the playoffs? Does Las Vegas have enough depth around A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young? Have the...

Basketball history is happening in Hollywood. Ramona Shelburne joins Chiney to reveal how Josh Kushner and Bob Iger’s group agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers at a record $12.5 billion valuation—and how the stunning deal came together in just three days.

Then, Chiney and Ramona celebrate Russell Westbrook’s unforgettable 18-season career, the heart and intensity that made him your favorite player’s favorite player, and his lasting impact on Los Angeles and the NBA.

Plus, they unwrap the NBA’s Opening Night and Christmas Day schedules, from LeBron’s return to L.A. to the bi...

Darryn Peterson joins Chiney Ogwumike to talk about his few weeks as a pro, his impressive Summer League run, and the expectations surrounding a young Utah Jazz team ready to take the next step in the NBA.

Peterson opens up about his Rookie of the Year goals, developing as a playmaker, facing the physicality of the NBA, playing alongside Utah’s young core, and why LeBron James and Devin Booker are two players he wants to face.

Then, Basketball Hall of Fame Writer Marc J. Spears joins Chiney to explain why Peterson could be special im...

Jabari Smith Jr. joins Chiney Ogwumike to talk about what’s next for the Houston Rockets, what he’s learned from playing alongside Kevin Durant, and why he believes there’s still another level to his game.

Jabari explains what makes KD’s work ethic different, why Fred VanVleet’s leadership is so important to Houston, what it’s really like playing for Ime Udoka, and why improving his ball handling is a major focus of his offseason. He also opens up about becoming a father, how his daughter has changed his outlook, and why he plans to bring her...

VJ Edgecombe joins Chiney Ogwumike to reflect on his breakout rookie season, his development alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, and the pressure surrounding Philadelphia’s star-studded new roster.

VJ shares how he learned LeBron James was joining the 76ers, what he hopes to absorb from LeBron and Jaylen Brown, and why gratitude, family and his Bahamian roots keep him grounded.

Then, Ramona Shelburne joins Chiney to examine how Philadelphia can make all of its talent work, what this season means for Joel Embiid and Jaylen Brown, and why VJ could eventually become the face of...

A special bonus edition of Chiney Today featuring Chiney Ogwumike’s full conversation with Sonia Citron.

Sonia breaks down her unforgettable game-winner, her bond with Kiki Iriafen, the culture of the Washington Mystics, and her evolution beyond being just a shooter.

She also reflects on Notre Dame, All-Star Weekend, training with her boyfriend Marist Liufau, and how her West African and Cape Verdean roots shaped her belief that she must “outwork everybody else.”

IN THIS EPISODE:

Inside the game-winner: Sonia walks through the chaotic final possession, the jump ball, and the turnar...

Washington Mystics guard and two-time WNBA All-Star Sonia Citron joins Chiney Ogwumike (14:36) to break down the wild game-winner she thought had slipped away, the split-second decision behind her turnaround jumper, and what went through her mind before the celebration could begin.

Sonia also opens up about her second All-Star experience, working with her best friend as her stylist, surviving the Mystics’ four-overtime thriller, and the areas of her game she is developing as she looks to become more than a shooter and grow into a complete playmaker.

Before the interview, Chiney weighs in on the bi...

Chiney is back from WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago and breaking down the biggest highlights, lowlights and history-making moments from the celebration.

ESPN’s Alexa Philippou joins the show to discuss WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s uncertain future, her relationship with players, and whether the league needs a different kind of leadership for its next chapter.

Plus, Chiney celebrates Jonquel Jones’ All-Star Game MVP, Dominique Malonga’s historic dunk, Azzi Fudd’s three-point contest victory, and Nneka Ogwumike becoming the WNBA All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer. Chiney and Brandon also share their ideas for improving Al...

Chiney Ogwumike is live from Chicago with Andraya Carter for a joyful recap of WNBA All-Star Weekend.

They break down Jonquel Jones’ MVP performance, Dominique Malonga’s statement dunk, and Nneka Ogwumike becoming the WNBA All-Star Game’s all-time leading scorer. Andraya also shares the personal meaning behind her return to work and the friend she dedicated the weekend to.

Then, Chiney and Andraya look ahead to the second half of the season, including the rise of the Dallas Wings, Gabby Williams’ impact in Golden State, Minnesota’s surprising success, and why it is still difficult...

On this emergency episode of Chiney Today, LeBron James is officially signed after 24 days of being a free agent. The King will be joining Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Jaylen Brown in The City of Brotherly Love. In what he calls his “last decision”, LeBron made his choice on his next destination solely focused on winning a championship. 

Can LeBron bring Philly their first title since 1983? Will Bronny join him with the Sixers? Was he really close to retiring? Find out the answers to those questions and more as Ramona Shelburne helps Chiney breakdown the shocking news inclu...

Chiney Ogwumike is live from WNBA Live in Chicago to get you ready for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Weekend.

Chiney breaks down the Shooting Stars field, makes her picks for the three-point contest and reacts to the late-invite controversy surrounding Sabrina Ionescu and Kayla McBride. How does a defending champion never receive an official invitation—and is 48 hours enough notice for a player to change her All-Star plans?

Plus, Chiney discusses Kahleah Copper replacing Kelsey Plum, Caitlin Clark becoming an NBA 2K27 cover athlete and Napheesa Collier’s dominant return to the Minnesota Lynx.

In t...

The Minnesota Lynx are back on top, the Indiana Fever are heating up, and the New York Liberty are headed in the wrong direction.

Chiney Ogwumike reveals her latest WNBA Power Rankings, breaking down Minnesota’s depth, Golden State’s elite defense, the rise of Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings, and why Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell deserve to be in everybody's Top 5.

Plus, Chiney celebrates Nneka Ogwumike becoming the Sparks’ all-time leading scorer, reacts to the Angel Reese and Toronto Tempo controversy, and recaps her wild weekend at Fanatics Fest, including the moment she co...

Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers headline the 2026 WNBA All-Star rosters, but which side actually has the better team?

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by JayDee Dyer to break down Team Spoon vs. Team Coop. They agree on the biggest All-Star snub: Kamilla Cardoso, and argue her case for a spot, and why the New York Liberty could have the highest ceiling in the W.

Then the conversation shifts to the World Cup, where Lionel Messi continues to defy Father Time, Argentina prepares to face Spain in the final, Erling Haaland becomes a global star, and JayDee...

The WNBA has reached the midway point, which means it’s time to hand out some hardware.

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph to reveal their 2026 WNBA midseason award winners, from Sixth Woman of the Year and Coach of the Year to Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and, of course, MVP.

A’ja Wilson remains the standard, but Olivia Miles has quickly entered the MVP conversation while putting together a historic rookie season. Plus, Chiney and JayJo debate Jessica Shepard versus Marina Mabrey for Most...

AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson gave NBA fans an early look at what could become one of the league’s next great rivalries. Chiney Ogwumike and Hall of Fame journalist Marc J. Spears are LIVE from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas to break down the matchup between the No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks. AJ Dybantsa dropped 27 in his Summer League debut, tying the scoring record for a No. 1 pick, while Peterson hit a quiet 24 for Utah. Chiney and Marc J. Spears react to both performances, what stood out from the matchup, the Dads of the next generation, and wh...

The 2026 WNBA All-Star roster is officially set — and Chiney Today is breaking down the full reserves list.

Chiney Ogwumike is joined by ESPN Senior Researcher Jason Joseph to react to the WNBA All-Star reserves, including Angel Reese, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jackie Young, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Jonquel Jones, Marina Mabrey, Dominique Malonga, Courtney Williams, Kelsey Plum, and NNEKA OGWUMIKE!

Chiney clears the paint to celebrate a special milestone for her sister, Nneka Ogwumike, who earned her 11th All-Star selection and joined rare company in WNBA history. Plus, Chiney and JayJo debate the biggest All-Star sn...

Chiney Today is back — and Chiney is calling an old friend.

After Chiney’s A’ja Wilson and Tom Brady comparison sparked a major reaction online, Mike Golic Jr. joins the show for a much-needed wellness check, perspective, and a reminder that sports debates are supposed to be fun.

Chiney and GoJo also celebrate his return to ESPN Radio with Mike Golic Sr., look back on their Chiney & Golic Jr. days, and play a game of putting NBA free agency moves “in NFL terms” — from LeBron James potentially leaving the Lakers to a hypothetical Jaylen Brown move t...

LeBron James is leaving the Los Angeles Lakers, and Chiney Ogwumike is joined by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne to react to the end of one of the most defining eras in NBA history.

Chiney and Ramona break down why LeBron and the Lakers decided it was time to part ways. Ramona explains why she doesn’t think LeBron was ever fully beloved or appreciated in LA, and why this Lakers breakup felt more mutual than messy.

Plus, they get into what comes next: the Luka Doncic era in Los Angeles, possible LeBron landing spots, and whet...