Chiney Today

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...

On this episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike checks the temperature across the WNBA with a summer Heat Check: which teams are full blaze, which teams are heating up, and which teams need some AC.

Chiney breaks down why A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces are still dangerous, how Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings are ahead of schedule, why Angel Reese looks right at home with the Atlanta Dream, and what is going wrong for the Chicago Sky. Plus, Chiney gives love to Nneka Ogwumike’s unforgettable game-winner during the WNBA’s 30th anniversary celebr...

Chiney Ogwumike and Ramona Shelburne react to a wild NBA Draft night headlined by A.J. Dybantsa going No. 1 overall to the Washington Wizards and Giannis Antetokounmpo being traded to the Miami Heat.

Marc J. Spears give us a report from the NBA Draft green room after speaking with Dybantsa about becoming the top pick, joining Washington, honoring his family and preparing for life in D.C. Chiney and Ramona then break down the top selections of the night before turning to the mega trade: Giannis and Bobby Portis to Miami, Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el...

Nneka Ogwumike called game — and Chiney is still processing it!

On the 30th anniversary celebration of the WNBA’s first-ever game, the Los Angeles Sparks and New York Liberty delivered an instant classic. Chiney reacts to her sister Nneka hitting the game-winner, what the moment meant for LA, and why Court Origins night became much bigger than one shot.

ESPN’s Angel Gray joins live from Los Angeles to take us behind the scenes of the celebration, the alumni reunion, Lisa Leslie’s powerful halftime speech, and the emotion inside the arena. Angel also breaks down how...

Chiney Ogwumike is Commissioner for the day on Chiney Today as ESPN NBA Draft Analyst Jeremy Woo joins the show for a full 2026 NBA Mock Draft.

Jeremy makes a surprising call at the top, choosing Darryn Peterson over AJ Dybantsa at No. 1, then breaks down the rest of his top 10 with Chiney. They discuss team fits, prospect upside, pro readiness, and the players who could shape the next era of the NBA.

In this episode:

No. 1 Pick Debate: Darryn Peterson vs. AJ Dybantsa
Top Prospect Breakdown: Cam Boozer, Caleb Wilson, Mikel Brown...

For the first time since 1973, the New York Knicks are NBA Champions. What an incredible run by this team as in a crucial close out game Jalen Brunson dropped 45 points to make sure his team won the Larry O’Brien trophy! Ramona Shelburne and Iman Shumpert stop by to describe what just happened!

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WHAT JUST HAPPENED?! The Knicks somehow erased a 29-point deficit to complete the LARGEST comeback in NBA Finals history after OG Anunoby’s last second tipped shot. Ramona Shelburne, Alan Hahn, Jeremy, Lin, and Stephen A. Smith stop by to break down the madness at Madison Square Garden.

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The Spurs stormed Madison Square Garden and stole Game 3 115-111 as the Knicks 13-game playoff winning streak was snapped. Victor Wembanyama matched Jalen Brunson’s intensity with 32 Pts, 8 Reb, 6 Ast, 3 Blk, and 2 Stl. Have the Spurs solved the championship puzzle to get three more wins to become champs? Or was Game 3 merely a blip on the radar for the Knicks? All of that and more on this postgame reaction from Chiney!

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Game 1 of the NBA Finals is in the books, and the New York Knicks made a statement.

Live from San Antonio, Chiney Ogwumike is joined by Ramona Shelburne to break down the Knicks’ 105-95 win over the Spurs, Jalen Brunson’s late-game takeover, Karl-Anthony Towns’ physical matchup with Victor Wembanyama, Josh Hart’s chaotic impact, and why OG Anunoby continues to be one of New York’s most important postseason pieces.

Plus, Chiney and Ramona take you inside the atmosphere in San Antonio — from Spurs legends in the building to the celebrity sightings — and look ahead to wheth...

The NBA Finals are set, and it’s the New York Knicks vs. the San Antonio Spurs.

On this episode of Chiney Today, Chiney is joined by Ramona Shelburne and Vincent Goodwill to break down the dream Finals matchup from both sides, including:

The WNBA rookie class is already making noise.

On this episode of Chiney Today, Chiney breaks down the rookies shining across the league, from Azzi Fudd’s breakout game to Olivia Miles unlocking the Minnesota Lynx, Kiki Rice finding her rhythm, and international rookies making an early impact as the W continues to grow globally.

Then, Chiney reacts to Becky Hammon standing ten toes down on her Jalen Brunson take and explains why she respectfully disagrees while still defending Becky’s right to speak her mind. With the Knicks headed to the NBA Finals, Chiney look...

Chiney Ogwumike is answering everything in the first-ever Q & Ney edition of Chiney Today.

Coming to you from Kigali, Rwanda, Chiney breaks down where she is today, what it means to support the Basketball Africa League Finals, and why growing the game globally is so personal to her.

Chiney also talks about whether she would ever return to the WNBA, why the Houston Comets’ return hits home, and what it would mean to represent Houston again.

Plus, Chiney opens up about the player who made her fall in love with basketball, why Lisa Le...

The NBA Conference Finals are set, and Chiney is buying what the New York Knicks are selling!

On today's episode, Chiney breaks down why the Knicks look like the hottest team in basketball, how Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson have helped New York level up, and why the Cleveland Cavaliers still have a major opportunity behind Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and James Harden.

Then, in Hot Headlines, Chiney reacts to a massive start in the WNBA and the latest around the basketball world:

 The Houston Comets are officially back, and Chiney Ogwumike is home in Houston to react to one of the biggest moments in WNBA history.

Fresh off hosting the press conference at Toyota Center, Chiney breaks down what the Comets’ return means to the WNBA, Houston basketball, Connecticut Sun fans, and the next generation of women’s hoops stars. She also reflects on the original Comets dynasty, Brittney Griner’s Houston roots, and why the city is built for WNBA stardom.

Plus, Chiney reacts to:

The WNBA is BACK and opening weekend delivered immediately. Chiney Ogwumike reacts to the electric start to the season, including Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever’s thrilling matchup with the Dallas Wings, why this feels like the biggest moment in league history, and the growing debate around Azzi Fudd’s bench role in Dallas.

Then, ESPN NBA Front Office Insider Bobby Marks joins the show to break down the NBA Draft Lottery, how the Washington Wizards won it all, why AJ Dybantsa is trending toward becoming the #1 overall pick, and what comes next for teams like the...

The WNBA season is finally here — and Chiney Ogwumike is breaking it all down.

Chiney and Jacki Gemelos react to the latest WNBA GM Survey, debate Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark: who would you rather build around, predict Rookie of the Year, and rank the top contenders heading into the league’s historic 30th season.

They also discuss:

The first round of the NBA Playoffs is wrapped, and … it's giving chaos.

Game 7 drama. Blown series leads. Stars stepping up—and others falling short.

On this episode of Chiney Today, we’re breaking down:

Plus in Hot Headlines: Nneka goes off in Portland, a Michael Jackson biopic review is loading, and Skip Bayless is back in the headlines after news of...

On this episode of Chiney Today, we break down Sportico’s 2026 WNBA team valuations and what they really say about the future of women’s basketball.

Is this just the “Caitlin Clark effect”… or something much bigger?

Chiney Ogwumike dives into:

Plus, Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen joins to explain what investors are really betting o...

On today’s episode of Chiney Today, Chiney is joined by ESPN NBA insider Ramona Shelburne to break down one of the most drama-filled weekends in basketball.

What was popping in the Group Chat? LeBron James throws a historic alley-oop to his son, Bronny — a father-son moment we may never see again.

They dive into why this is one of the best stories in the NBA right now, and how Bronny has gone from the G League to earning real playoff minutes for the Lakers.

Plus, Ramona takes us inside the Portland Trail Blaz...

The WNBA offseason has completely changed the league—and Chiney Ogwumike is breaking it all down.

From blockbuster trades to major signings, Chiney grades every WNBA team’s offseason (A+ to D) and explains who actually got better heading into the season. Which teams are ready to contend? Which ones still have serious questions?

Plus, we’re entering a new era in the W…

With more money than ever before, Chiney and Allison Galer dive into what the WNBA’s “new money era” really means—and why the pressure to win is higher than ever.

The NBA Playoffs are underway, and the underdogs are making noise.

Chiney breaks down every key series, including why the Orlando Magic could surprise the Detroit Pistons, how the Knicks and Hawks match up is spicy, and why the Thunder’s dominance might be boring—but it’s real.

Plus, Victor Wembanyama delivers a historic playoff debut, solidifying the arrival of the NBA’s next era.

In Hot Headlines, Chiney reacts to growing uncertainty around Steve Kerr and his future with the Warriors, Audi Crooks’ transfer decision, and Angel Reese’s first viral moment with...