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WNBA Finals Head to Game 7: Dream vs Valkyries for First Title
· Confirmed
In Short: The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will meet in the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history, with both teams vying for their first WNBA title.
The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will meet in the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history, with both teams vying for their first WNBA title. ESPN reported that the series will conclude at Chase Center on Halloween.
ESPN noted that the Dream responded with a decisive Game 6 victory in Atlanta, winning 80-69 to force the series to a seventh game. FOX 5 Atlanta reported that the Dream set the tone early, shooting 73.3% in the first quarter to build a 32-15 lead.
Angel Reese, a standout player for the Dream, commented on the team's performance, saying, "It feels fitting that this historic 30th WNBA season, that began with a hard-fought CBA that elevated player compensation into a new echelon, is ending in the league's first-ever Game 7."
The game sold out after tickets went on sale Monday, and it is now a hot ticket on the secondary marketplace. ESPN reported that the lunchtime start for Game 6 drew confusion and criticism, but the Dream's performance silenced any doubts.
The Dream's Game 6 victory was marked by a high-scoring first quarter, with 32 points, the highest-scoring quarter by either team in the series. This allowed the Dream to maintain a double-digit lead for most of the contest.
The series returns to Chase Center on Halloween for the decisive game. Both teams are seeking their first WNBA title, as neither franchise has ever lifted the league trophy.
Michael Voepel, Alexa Philippou, and Kendra Andrews will provide live analysis and highlights throughout the game. ESPN noted that the Dream's Game 6 victory was a testament to their resilience and determination.
The Dream's Game 6 victory was a testament to their resilience and determination, as they forced the series to a seventh game. The Valkyries will need to regroup on their home floor and re-establish their stifling half-court defense.
The lunchtime start for Game 6 drew confusion and criticism, but the Dream's performance silenced any doubts. The Dream's Game 6 victory was marked by a high-scoring first quarter, with 32 points, the highest-scoring quarter by either team in the series.
The Dream's Game 6 victory was marked by a high-scoring first quarter, with 32 points, the highest-scoring quarter by either team in the series. This allowed the Dream to maintain a double-digit lead for most of the contest.
The celebration spilled onto downtown streets after the final buzzer with live marching bands as fans chanted 'Dream in 7.' Golden State now looks to regroup on its home floor.
The Dream's Game 6 victory was marked by a high-scoring first quarter, with 32 points, the highest-scoring quarter by either team in the series. This allowed the Dream to maintain a double-digit lead for most of the contest.
What this adds
ESPN and FOX 5 Atlanta reported that the Dream's Game 6 victory was marked by a high-scoring first quarter, with 32 points, the highest-scoring quarter by either team in the series. This allowed the Dream to maintain a double-digit lead for most of the contest.
Background
The Atlanta Dream evened the series with the Golden State Valkyries, securing an 80-69 victory in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday at State Farm Arena.
The Atlanta Dream defeated the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals, evening the series at 3-3.
What's confirmed
- 4 Atlanta Dream on Saturday as both teams seek their first WNBA title in franchise history.
- ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 29: Angel Reese #5 of the Atlanta Dream and Kiah Stokes #41 of the Golden State Valkyries react during the second quarter in game six of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena on October 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.
- With the stage set for the 2026 WNBA Finals, the WNBA Showtime crew takes a look at how the Atlanta Dream will fare against the Golden State Valkyries.
What's still developing
- The WNBA moved to a best-of-seven format for the Finals last season, but Las Vegas won in a sweep.
- Atlanta Dream has announced a list of official watch party locations.
- Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams (1) shoots the ball while defended by Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) during the second half of the WNBA Finals Game 7 at Chase Center, Saturday, Oct.
- A decade ago, the Los Angeles Sparks captured the 2016 championship by winning Game 5 in Minneapolis.
- Since Game 7 airs on USA Network, it will also be available to watch live on any streaming service that carries said network, including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial ), Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
- The 33-year-old, who was named to the All-Defense Second Team, is averaging 9.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in these playoffs.
- Williams, a Reed High graduate, also got off to a slow start, missing eight of her first nine shots before finding a rhythm and ending with a game-high 26 points on 8-of-22 shooting.
- The No. 1 Minnesota Lynx will host the No. 8 New York Liberty in a rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals, the No. 2 Valkyries will host the No. 7 Dallas Wings, the No. 3 Las Vegas Aces will begin their title defense against the No. 6 Indiana Fever, and the No. 4 Atlanta Dream will welcome the No. 5 Washington Mystics to town.
- For head coach Natalie Nakase’s squad, success hinges on re-establishing their stifling half-court defense and feeding off their “Boohalla” home crowd after taking accountability for a sluggish start in Atlanta.
- The seeding for the 2026 WNBA playoffs came down to the final night of the regular season Thursday, but the matchups are finally set.