Atlanta Dream Beat Golden State Valkyries to Force Game 7

Atlanta Dream kept their championship hopes alive by defeating the Golden State Valkyries 80-69 in Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on Thursday, Oct. 29, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The victory leveled the best-of-seven series and set up a decisive Game 7 in Golden State on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Golden State entered the matchup holding a 3-2 series lead and needing one more victory to secure the championship. Atlanta's win prevented the expansion franchise from clinching the title in its second season and extended the finals to a seventh game.

The series has produced alternating victories. Golden State won Game 1, 68-64, before Atlanta responded with a 79-65 victory in Game 2 and a 97-71 win in Game 3. The Valkyries then took Game 4, 67-62, and Game 5, 64-55, to move within one victory of the championship.

Atlanta's victory also ensured that the championship would be decided on Golden State's home court. Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.

The scheduling of Game 6 drew attention because the matchup took place at midday on a weekday. Atlanta's regular home venue, Gateway Center Arena, holds approximately 3,500 spectators, while State Farm Arena, the home of the Atlanta Hawks, accommodates more than 17,000.

The Dream had played their playoff games at State Farm Arena throughout their historic run to the finals. However, the Hawks were scheduled to play there later on Thursday, requiring the WNBA, NBA, Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries to work out an alternative arrangement over the preceding weekend.

Atlanta said the midday scheduling arrangement was the best available option but expressed concern that its efforts to secure a suitable venue in advance had not received adequate attention.

The scheduling dispute had drawn attention away from a competitive finals series. Golden State, playing only its second season as an expansion franchise, had entered Game 6 with a chance to fulfill owner Joe Lacob's stated ambition of winning a championship within the team's first five years.

Kiah Stokes played a key role in Golden State's victories in Games 3 and 4, helping put the Valkyries in position to take control of the series. Atlanta, meanwhile, had relied on strong performances from Angel Reese earlier in the finals, particularly in Games 2 and 3, although her production had been quieter over the two games preceding Game 6.

With the series now tied, both teams face one final game to determine the 2026 WNBA champion. The Valkyries will host the Dream on Saturday, Oct. 31, with coverage scheduled on USA Network and CNBC.