Chiney Today

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: The biggest winners (Embiid, LeBron, T-Wolves Fans, OKC ) The biggest losers (Analytics, Celtics & Teams with a Lead) Jaylen Brown’s viral Twitch moment in the GroupChat And why this postseason already feels unpredictable 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 a one-time only First Take reunion with Stephen A. Smith—so you already know the takes are about to get LOUD. Subscribe, rate, and review Chiney Today for more conversation with the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Chiney Ogwumike dives into: Why the “WNBA doesn’t make money” narrative is outdated The explosive rise in franchise valuations (up 59% year-over-year) How stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson are reshaping the league The business behind expansion, media deals, and global growth Plus, Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen joins to explain what investors are really betting on—and why the WNBA may be one of the most valuable growth opportunities in sports today. Subscribe, rate, and review Chiney Today for more conversation with the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Blazers’ surprising season — from the Chauncey Billups scandal to their late playoff push, and the growing tension around ownership, cost-cutting, and the future of the franchise. Then in Hot Headlines, we get back to the tea: What does Klay Thompson’s split from Megan Thee Stallion mean for his legacy? Why is Natasha Cloud still unsigned? And what do major offseason moves across the WNBA — including the Liberty and Sparks — signal for the league’s future? It’s a full breakdown of the biggest stories in basketball — on and off the court. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review Chiney Today for more conversations at the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. In this episode: Full WNBA offseason grades for every team Biggest winners and losers 👀 Why the Washington Mystics stood out Teams that didn’t do enough (👀 Phoenix) How the new CBA is changing the league Why “more money = more pressure” in the W The WNBA is evolving fast—and this season is going to look very different. For more Chiney every day, follow, rate, and review. Show some love to the heartbeat of hoops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the Atlanta Dream. Subscribe, rate, and review Chiney Today, and drop your playoff predictions—we’re just getting started. Plus, watch full episodes on ESPN’s YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA playoffs are here—and it’s time to hand out some hardware 🏆 On this episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike is joined by ESPN researcher Jason Joseph to break down their 2026 NBA Awards predictions, including MVP, Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and more. The biggest debate? Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel for Rookie of the Year—do you reward elite production on a struggling team or historic shooting on a playoff squad? Plus, they dive into: Why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is making a strong MVP case The dominance of Victor Wembanyama as Defensive Player of the Year The most clutch player in the league this season Surprise picks for Sixth Man and Most Improved And to close it out, rapid-fire NBA Playoff Superlatives, including: Breakout stars to watch 👀 The most surprising playoff team Dream playoff matchups Players under the most pressure this postseason From awards debates to playoff storylines, this episode gets you ready for everything coming in the NBA postseason. 👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and drop your picks in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chiney Ogwumike is LIVE from New York with instant reactions to the 2026 WNBA Draft. From the moment Azzi Fudd goes No. 1 overall to the biggest surprises, fits, and storylines of the night, Chiney breaks it all down in real time—right from the floor of the draft. Joined by her big sister, former WNBA MVP and Champion Nneka Ogwumike, to break down each pick, plus special guest comedian Sarah Tiana joins, this episode captures the energy, emotion, and chaos of draft night as it happens. They cover: Azzi Fudd going No. 1 to Dallas and what it means for the Wings Olivia Miles to Minnesota and her long-term upside Seattle and Washington are loading up with young talent Early W comps for the top five picks The evolution of the WNBA + what this rookie class represents Plus, behind-the-scenes moments, LIVE reactions, and why this draft feels like a turning point for the league. If you enjoy this special LIVE edition of Chiney Today, subscribe for more weekly WNBA, NBA, and basketball culture coverage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chiney Ogwumike breaks down one of the most unpredictable WNBA Drafts in recent memory—with no clear No. 1 pick and multiple elite prospects making a case. Should the Dallas Wings take a shooter like Azzi Fudd, a playmaker like Olivia Miles, or build for the future with a rising frontcourt star? Chiney dives deep into each option and what it means for the franchise moving forward. Plus, rising artist BossMan Dlow joins the show fresh off his album release to talk about his viral run during March Madness, his connection to basketball culture, and how his music became the soundtrack for the moment. And in the Group Chat, Chiney addresses the viral “Balloon Gate” moment involving her sister Nneka Ogwumike and what really happened behind the scenes during WNBA free agency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UCLA, your 2026 National Champions. Chiney Ogwumike breaks down the Bruins’ title run, led by Lauren Betts and a senior class that delivered on the biggest stage. From their dominant win over South Carolina to the mindset that defined their season, this episode unpacks how UCLA finished the job in historic fashion. Plus, in the Group Chat, Chiney addresses Brandon and DeVaughn’s questions about the moment between Geno Auriemma and Dawn Staley—what it means for the sport, and whether moments like that help or distract from the game itself. Then, we close out the season with Chiney’s first-ever awards, highlighting the players, teams, and moments that defined the year—from breakout stars like Sarah Strong to leaders like Rori Harmon and Hannah Hidalgo. A full-circle look at women’s college basketball, the storylines that shaped the season, and what comes next with the WNBA Draft on the horizon. Let's go to work! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is a special bonus episode of Chiney Today, featuring an exclusive one-on-one interview with Texas standout Madison Booker. Chiney Ogwumike sits down with the three-time All-American to discuss her rise, her approach to the game, and the mindset that’s made her one of the most effective players in college basketball. From Kevin Durant’s influence to her signature midrange and her role in building Texas into a contender, Booker shares insight into what drives her on and off the court. In this conversation, Madison breaks down: Why she doesn’t believe in positions The mentality behind her “cool, calm, collected” game How her midrange became automatic What fuels her drive to keep getting better Subscribe to Chiney Today for more exclusive interviews and conversations across the world of basketball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Final Four is set — and Chiney is breaking it ALL down. From the biggest stars of March Madness to the moments that defined the Elite Eight, Chiney Ogwumike highlights the players who showed up when it mattered most — including: UConn’s Sarah Strong UCLA’s Lauren Betts South Carolina’s Joyce Edwards Texas standout Madison Booker Then, Chiney calls her friend and super agent, Allison Galer, to break down the WNBA Expansion Draft — what it is, when it is, how it works, and why it’s about to reshape the league with new teams in Portland and Toronto. In Group Chat: the Houston Comets are BACK. What it means for the WNBA, the city of Houston, and why it’s truly a full-circle moment for Chiney. Plus, in Chiney’s Channels, the crew reacts to UConn’s buzzer-beater that shocked the men’s tournament — and what Chiney’s watching when she’s not locked in on hoops. Another episode filled with hoops, headlines, and happy times… let’s go to work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

UConn, LSU, and Texas headline the Sweet 16 as the road to the Final Four heats up. Chiney Ogwumike breaks down the biggest matchups, plus the Cade Cunningham controversy shaking up the NBA awards race. From UConn’s dominance to LSU’s March Madness edge, Chiney dives into the biggest matchups, storylines, and players to watch across the tournament. In this episode: Can anyone stop UConn? LSU vs. Duke: strength vs. strength Notre Dame vs. Vanderbilt is a must-watch matchup Why Texas might be peaking at the perfect time South Carolina’s path to taking down UConn The Cinderella case for Virginia Chiney grades DeVaughn and Brandon’s Final Four picks Plus, Chiney reacts to the Cade Cunningham 65-game rule controversy and what it could mean for the NBA awards race. In Hot Headlines, the show covers Brandy receiving her Hollywood Walk of Fame star, the 20th anniversary of Hannah Montana, and HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. If you love hoops, culture, and real conversation, you’re in the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chiney is breaking down the stars and moments that defined Women’s March Madness as the Sweet 16 is officially set. Maddie Booker put on a show with 40 points to lead Texas, while Azzi Fudd dropped 34 in another UConn blowout as the tournament delivers unforgettable moments through two full rounds of hoops. Chiney Ogwumike takes you through the top performers, biggest moments, honorable mentions, and clutch shots from the first weekend of the NCAA Women’s Tournament — including Flau’Jae and LSU’s dominance, Olivia Olson’s second-half takeover for Michigan, and Amaya Battle’s game-winner for Minnesota. Plus, Chiney shares why Sarah Graves’ moment for Texas brought her Joy, along with a special voice memo from one of her dearest friends and a former member of ESPN’s Big 3. If you love hoops, storytelling, and the heartbeat of the game, you’re in the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The WNBA just took a massive step forward — and we’re breaking it down with the people who made it happen. In this special edition of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike is joined by WNBPA President, 10x All-Star Nneka, and HER BIG SISTER(!) Ogwumike, along with WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson, for an inside look at the league’s historic new Collective Bargaining Agreement. We’re going beyond the headlines to explain: How the WNBA and the Players Association got this deal done after 16 months of negotiations Why this CBA is life-changing for players across the league, from rookies to superstars What the new salary structure, benefits, and revenue opportunities actually mean Plus, we tap into player reactions across the league, from the StudBudz to Angel Reese to Napheesa Collier, and decide what’s actually HOT (or NOT) in today’s headlines. To close, Chiney sits down with Terri Carmichael Jackson to reflect on the magnitude of this moment and the work it took to get here. This isn’t just a new agreement. This is a new era. Subscribe, rate, and review Chiney Today wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the debut episode of Chiney Today, Chiney Ogwumike breaks down everything happening across the world of hoops—and beyond. Chiney & Co. start in the “group chat” with a look at the future of Team USA Basketball, as stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese dominate the international stage and spark conversations about the 2028 Olympic roster. Then it’s time for The Breakdown, where Chiney dives into the Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket after hosting ESPN’s Selection Sunday show—sharing her biggest takeaways from each region, why UConn looks dominant, Dawn Staley’s South Carolina stays hungry, and which region has the most madness. Plus, as an official NBA MVP voter, Chiney reveals her top five contenders in the MVP race—led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic—and who would get her vote if the season ended today. Finally, in Hot Headlines, Chiney reacts to a huge Oscars night for Sinners and standout red carpet moments, before closing with a special “Joy” segment featuring voice notes from Tracy McGrady, plus a question from Peyton Manning about Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever this season. Welcome to Chiney Today—where we go beyond the score so you can learn more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chiney Today is a twice-weekly podcast hosted by two-time WNBA All-Star and ESPN basketball analyst Chiney Ogwumike, delivering smart analysis and spirited insight at the intersection of hoops and culture. As one of the few national voices covering both men’s and women’s basketball at the highest level, Chiney bridges every corner of the game connecting leagues, storylines, and the moments that shape how fans experience basketball today. From the biggest headlines to the deeper cultural currents driving the sport, Chiney Today informs, entertains, challenges, and celebrates the game as it continues to evolve on and off the court.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices