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Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries Reach WNBA Finals

3:07 PM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: The Golden State Valkyries, in their second year of existence, have reached the WNBA Finals, becoming the quickest expansion team to do so.

The Atlanta Dream secured their first trip to the WNBA Finals since 2013, sweeping the New York Liberty in the semifinals. In a thrilling Game 3, the Dream led by 12 points in the first half but had to hold on in the final minute to defeat the Liberty, 85-83.

The Golden State Valkyries, in their second year of existence, have reached the WNBA Finals, becoming the quickest expansion team to do so. They swept the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals, with a decisive 87-77 victory in Game 3.

The Valkyries' journey to the Finals was marked by a comeback from a 16-point deficit against the Los Angeles Sparks in the final game of the night. Coach Natalie Nakase emphasized the importance of unity and communication, telling her team to huddle up and communicate effectively.

The Valkyries' success is a testament to their depth and tactical execution. They won all three regular-season matchups against the Dream, with each game taking place within a two-week span between June 24 and July 4.

The Dream's victory was also a result of strong defensive play. Jordin Canada, the WNBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, played a crucial role in reducing the Liberty’s scoring in the paint.

The Valkyries' roster depth and individual performances were highlighted in their Game 3 victory against the Aces. Gabby Williams scored 19 points, and the team recorded a franchise-high 52 rebounds.

The 2026 WNBA season has seen historic performances from players like Kelsey Mitchell, who broke A'ja Wilson's single-season points record, and Caitlin Clark, who became the first player in WNBA history with a 40-point, 10-assist game.

The Finals will begin on October 17, with the Valkyries as the favorites, opening as a -125 favorite to win the championship.

The Valkyries' success has been a source of excitement for fans, with Valkyries fans celebrating their team's achievements with chants of “Ballhalla.”

The Dream's return to the Finals after a long hiatus has also been met with enthusiasm, with Kaitlyn Chen and Gabby Williams hugging after their victory over the Las Vegas Aces.

The parity demonstrated across the league during the regular season suggests that roster depth, tactical execution, and individual superstar performances will ultimately determine the champion.

The Valkyries' journey to the Finals is a remarkable accomplishment, especially considering they didn't play their first game until 2025.

What this adds

Background

What's confirmed

• The 2026 WNBA Finals are set to begin on Oct. 17.
• Be giddy over the preposterous history they are making.
• Saturday, September 26, 2026 · 7:04 AM ET In Short: The 2026 WNBA playoffs bracket is set, featuring the Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries, Las Vegas Aces, and Atlanta Dream among the top seeds.
• The top eight teams – the Minnesota Lynx, Golden State Valkyries, Las Vegas Aces, Atlanta Dream, Indiana Fever, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics and Dallas Wings – are locked into the postseason.
• But after losing to the Indiana Fever, 96-77, Minnesota backed in when the Valkyries lost to the Portland Fire later in the evening.
• In just Year 2 of the franchise's existence, the Golden State Valkyries are headed to the WNBA Finals.
• The Valkyries became the first expansion team to reach the WNBA Finals within its first two seasons, completing a three-game sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces on Friday night with an 87-77 overtime victory.
• "It feels special because this is a special group," Williams said.
• "This is unimaginable, but for us it's so realistic. It's what we expected and what we worked toward. It's what we believed in the entire year.... We had ultimate confidence coming in here."

What's still developing

• The Valkyries were still in the hunt for the top seed heading into Wednesday night, but a 90-82 loss to the Fire means Golden State will have homecourt in the first round but will be either the No.
• Hayes made two near-impossible drives to the basket putting the Valkyries within five points toward the end of the first quarter.
• “Y’all do know this is a setup for the Dream vs Fever finals,” the account said.
• "Now is our time -- this is it, so lay it all out there."
• "This was a rough road. To beat Vegas 3-0, it's crazy."
• More specifically, it's the Finals where the all-time greats have built their otherworldly reputations.
• Golden State will face the Atlanta Dream in a best-of-seven series that begins Oct. 17 in San Francisco.
• "I told them to remember our response is to come closer together, come tighter, to huddle up and grab hands, to communicate," Nakase said.
• It has been reported that 88.5 million unique viewers have watched the WNBA, which in itself is a great achievement.
• Minnesota Lynx have bagged the top spot for a second year in a row, ending the season with a 33-11 record.
• Playing on the road for the first time in the series, the Valkyries struggled to find their rhythm offensively, going scoreless for the opening three minutes.
• Williams leaped back inbounds to secure her own miss on a play initially ruled Dallas’ ball, but Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase successfully challenged the call.

Sources

• Ajclink
• Espnlink
• Hitclink
• Newsweeklink
• Sfchroniclelink
• Fox Newslink
• Swishappeallink
• Nbcbayarealink
• Thescorelink
• Valkyrieslink
• WarpBeat — background on Atlanta Dream Sweep New York Liberty to Reach WNBA Finals link
• WarpBeat — background on Atlanta Dream Reach WNBA Finals with Sweep of Liberty link
• CHAMPSIDE — video link