Golden State Valkyries Win First WNBA Championship

Golden State secured its first WNBA championship by defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the 2026 Finals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, October 31. The Valkyries completed their title-winning campaign in front of their home crowd, becoming champions in only their second season.

The victory ended a seven-game series that featured repeated changes in momentum, with neither team establishing lasting control. Golden State became the first champion to emerge from a Game 7 in WNBA Finals history, according to the series report published by The Guardian.

Atlanta entered the deciding game after keeping its championship hopes alive with an 80-69 victory in Game 6 on Thursday, October 29. The Dream had faced elimination but produced a dominant offensive performance to force the series finale.

Allisha Gray led Atlanta with 23 points, while Rhyne Howard contributed 21. Angel Reese recorded her fourth double-double of the series as the Dream established an early advantage with six three-pointers in the opening quarter.

Atlanta's lead eventually reached 25 points before halftime in Game 6. Golden State struggled offensively, shooting 31.4% from the field despite Gabby Williams scoring 26 points.

Golden State's championship run came under head coach Natalie Nakase, whose team benefited from home-court support during the decisive contest. The sellout crowd at Chase Center provided the setting for the franchise's first title.

The series results reflected the competitive nature of the matchup. Golden State opened with a 68-64 victory on October 17, before Atlanta responded with a 79-65 win on October 19 and a 97-71 victory on October 21.

The Valkyries regained control with a 67-62 victory in Game 4 on October 24 and a 64-55 win in Game 5 on October 26. Atlanta then forced the deciding game with its 80-69 Game 6 victory on October 29.

The WNBA introduced the best-of-seven championship format in 2025. Its first season under the expanded format ended in a four-game sweep, while the 2026 championship series became the league's first to require a seventh game.

Golden State finished the historic series with a 68-63 victory over Atlanta, securing the franchise's inaugural WNBA championship.