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Valkyries Reach WNBA Finals in Second Year

2:08 PM ETConfirmed

Sports Desk

In Short: The Finals will feature two teams making history, with the Valkyries as the first expansion team to reach the Finals in their second year and the Dream returning to the Finals after a long hiatus.

The Golden State Valkyries clinched their spot in the 2026 WNBA Finals with a 87-77 victory over the Las Vegas Aces in Game 3 on Friday night at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Valkyries, who were underdogs in their series against the defending champions, completed a stunning three-game sweep, marking the first time an expansion team has reached the Finals within its first two seasons.

In the other semifinal series, the Atlanta Dream secured their place in the Finals with a 85-83 win over the New York Liberty in Game 3, their first Finals appearance since 2013.

The Finals will begin on October 17, with the Valkyries facing the Atlanta Dream in a best-of-seven series.

The Valkyries' journey to the Finals was marked by a comeback victory over the Los Angeles Sparks, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the final game of the regular season.

Guard Gabby Williams praised the team's resilience, saying, "This was a rough road. To beat Vegas 3-0, it's crazy."

Forward Kaitlyn Chen echoed Williams' sentiments, adding, "It feels special because this is a special group."

Head coach Nakase emphasized the team's unity, stating, "I told them to remember our response is to come closer together, come tighter, to huddle up and grab hands, to communicate."

The Valkyries' success this season has been highlighted by their depth and tactical execution, with players like Kayla Thornton contributing significantly throughout the playoffs.

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

The Dream's head coach noted, "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."

The Valkyries' path to the Finals included a 90-82 loss to the Portland Fire, which secured their second seed and homecourt advantage in the first round.

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.
• "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."
• "To be here in this moment is a blessing. We're making history," guard Veronica Burton said.
• "It feels special because this is a special group," Williams said.

What's still developing

• Chelsea Gray helped set the tone for the Aces, scoring 15 points before halftime as Las Vegas built a nine-point advantage heading into the break.
• Stephen Curry has addressed criticism of the Golden State Warriors’ front office with a blunt response while admitting the franchise missed opportunities during his remaining championship window.
• The Aces, who are rolling against the Phoenix Mercury, appear to be in the driver's seat for the No. 2 seed.
• The 2026 WNBA season has been historic, with players like Kelsey Mitchell breaking A'ja Wilson's single-season points record and Caitlin Clark becoming the first player in WNBA history with a 40-point, 10-assist game.
• 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.
• With critical victories secured in the closing moments of the regular season slate, all eight qualified franchises now know their immediate postseason opponents as the league prepares to launch what promises to be one of the most competitive championship pursuits in recent history.
• Hayes made two near-impossible drives to the basket putting the Valkyries within five points toward the end of the first quarter.
• 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.
• "We are going to get some bandwagoners because we weren't getting no love all season. Honestly, no one believed in us, but it honestly made us smile. All we need is each other."
• "Obviously, I wasn't blocking her, so I was just trying to beat her with my speed," Williams said.

Sources

• Espnlink
• Golden State Valkyrieslink
• NBC Sports Bay Area & Californialink
• Newsweeklink
• San Francisco Chroniclelink
• The Mercury Newslink
• Yardbarkerlink
• Espnlink
• Warpbeatlink
• Swishappeallink
• CBS Sportslink
• USA Todaylink
• Latinationlink
• Centraloregondailylink
• Missionlocallink
• Ajclink
• Valkyries Courtside Report — video link