Episodes

  • NBA Awards Predictions 2026: MVP, Rookie of the Year Debate + Playoff Superlatives | Chiney Today

    NBA Awards Predictions 2026: MVP, Rookie of the Year Debate + Playoff Superlatives | Chiney Today
    Apr 17 2026
    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
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    28 mins
  • WNBA Draft LIVE Reaction: Azzi Fudd Goes No. 1 + Top 5 Picks Breakdown & Sarah Tiana Joins | Chiney Today

    WNBA Draft LIVE Reaction: Azzi Fudd Goes No. 1 + Top 5 Picks Breakdown & Sarah Tiana Joins | Chiney Today
    Apr 14 2026
    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
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    29 mins
  • WNBA Draft #1 Pick Debate + BossMan Dlow Interview & “Balloon Gate” Explained | Chiney Today

    WNBA Draft #1 Pick Debate + BossMan Dlow Interview & “Balloon Gate” Explained | Chiney Today
    Apr 10 2026
    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
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    37 mins
  • UCLA Wins National Championship, Lauren Betts Proves She’s HER, Dawn Staley vs Geno Auriemma Fallout | Chiney Today

    UCLA Wins National Championship, Lauren Betts Proves She’s HER, Dawn Staley vs Geno Auriemma Fallout | Chiney Today
    Apr 6 2026
    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
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    39 mins
  • EXCLUSIVE: Madison Booker Interview | Texas Star on KD Influence, Midrange Game and Winning Mindset (Chiney Today Bonus Episode)

    EXCLUSIVE: Madison Booker Interview | Texas Star on KD Influence, Midrange Game and Winning Mindset (Chiney Today Bonus Episode)
    Apr 2 2026
    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
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    22 mins
  • Final Four Set: Top Performers, UConn Buzzer-Beater + WNBA Expansion Draft Explained | Chiney Today

    Final Four Set: Top Performers, UConn Buzzer-Beater + WNBA Expansion Draft Explained | Chiney Today
    Mar 31 2026
    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
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    54 mins
  • UConn, Texas, LSU Take Over Sweet 16 + Cade Cunningham MVP Controversy

    UConn, Texas, LSU Take Over Sweet 16 + Cade Cunningham MVP Controversy
    Mar 27 2026
    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
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Maddie Drops 40, Azzi Goes Off: Women’s March Madness Takeover + Sweet 16 Is Set

    Maddie Drops 40, Azzi Goes Off: Women’s March Madness Takeover + Sweet 16 Is Set
    Mar 24 2026
    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
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    50 mins