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Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries Set for WNBA Finals

11:12 AM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: In the final games of the night, the Golden State Valkyries overcame a 16-point deficit against the Los Angeles Sparks to keep hold of the No. 2 seed, setting up a matchup with the Dream.

The Atlanta Dream secured their first trip to the WNBA Finals since 2013 with a 85-83 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 3 on Friday night at Barclays Center.

In the final games of the night, the Golden State Valkyries overcame a 16-point deficit against the Los Angeles Sparks to keep hold of the No. 2 seed, setting up a matchup with the Dream.

The Dream, who led by 12 points in the first half against the Liberty, had to hold on in the final minute to secure their victory.

The 2026 WNBA Finals will begin on October 17, with the Valkyries hosting Games 1, 2, and also 5 and 7 (if necessary) at their home, the Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Valkyries opened as a -125 favorite to win the championship, reflecting the parity and depth demonstrated across the league during the regular season.

The Dream, who have never won a game in the WNBA Finals, are trying to win their first championship after falling short in their previous appearances in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

The Valkyries' journey to the Finals was marked by a dramatic comeback against the Sparks, with Gabby Williams scoring 19 points in a winner-take-all Game 3.

The Dream's victory was also hard-fought, with DeWanna Bonner contributing 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Breanna Stewart scoring 26 points.

Both teams will have a week off before the championship round begins, allowing them to prepare for the historic matchup.

The Valkyries' success is a testament to their vision and hard work, with owner Joe Lacob proclaiming that his team would win a WNBA championship within its first five years.

The Dream's journey to the Finals is a breakthrough for the franchise, with players like Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark breaking records and setting new benchmarks in the league.

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.
• Second-seeded Golden State will face the fourth-seeded Atlanta Dream in the best-of-seven title series that begins next Saturday in San Francisco.

What's still developing

• Kaitlyn Chen (2) hugs Gabby Williams (1) after the Golden State Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in Game 3 of the 2026 WNBA playoffs semifinals at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on Friday, Oct.
• 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.
• The remarkable parity demonstrated across the league during the regular season suggests that roster depth, tactical execution, and individual superstar performances will ultimately determine which franchise walks away with the 2026 WNBA championship trophy.
• Hayes made two near-impossible drives to the basket putting the Valkyries within five points toward the end of the first quarter.
• The Valkyries advance to the semi-finals after the Game 3 victory, and will host Game 1 against the Las Vegas Aces on Sunday.
• The Valkyries 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.
• “Y’all do know this is a setup for the Dream vs Fever finals,” the account said.
• The Golden State Valkyries ended their season on a high note, completing the largest comeback in franchise history to beat the LA Sparks 76-75 and finish with a 32-12 record.
• "Now is our time -- this is it, so lay it all out there."
• "Big dreams. This is a dream come true to be going to the Finals in our second year."
• "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.

Sources

• Ajclink
• Chattanooga Times Free Presslink
• Hitclink
• New York Postlink
• Sfchroniclelink
• Thescorelink
• Ngscsportslink
• Fox Newslink
• Espnlink
• Newsweeklink
• Swishappeallink
• Nbcbayarealink
• Valkyrieslink
• WarpBeat — background on Dream Sweep Liberty to Reach WNBA Finals link
• WarpBeat — background on Atlanta Dream Sweep New York Liberty to Reach WNBA Finals link
• world of sports — video link