Valkyries Sweep Aces to Reach 2026 WNBA Finals

Golden State will make its first appearance in the WNBA Finals after eliminating the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with an 87-77 overtime victory on Friday, October 9. The Valkyries completed a sweep of their Western Conference semifinal series in their second season as a franchise, earning a championship matchup against the Atlanta Dream beginning Saturday, October 17.

According to USA Today, Golden State pulled away in a tightly contested game to secure its place in the league's championship series. Atlanta also completed a semifinal sweep on Friday, defeating the New York Liberty to reach the Finals for the first time since 2013.

The results give both finalists additional recovery time before the best-of-seven championship series begins. Golden State will host the opening two games at Chase Center in San Francisco before the series moves to Atlanta for Games 3 and 4.

The Valkyries' series victory followed a semifinal stretch in which their defense and rebounding restricted Las Vegas' offensive production. A preview published by Yahoo Sports before Friday's game reported that the Aces had averaged 70.5 points per game through the first two contests against Golden State.

Yahoo Sports also reported a substantial difference in rebounding production. Golden State recorded a 39% offensive rebound rate during the series, compared with 12.7% for Las Vegas, while the Valkyries held a 41-25 advantage in total rebounds per game.

The defensive pressure also limited the Aces' effective field goal percentage to 10% below their season average, according to the Yahoo Sports preview. Golden State, meanwhile, shot 32% from three-point range during the series, demonstrating that its success did not depend on unusually accurate perimeter shooting.

The 2026 WNBA Finals are scheduled to open at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 17, in Golden State. Game 2 will follow on Monday, October 19, at 8 p.m.

ET, before the teams travel to Atlanta for Game 3 on Thursday, October 22, at 8 p.m. ET and Game 4 on Saturday, October 24, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

If the series extends beyond four games, Game 5 is scheduled for Monday, October 26, at 8 p.m. ET in Golden State. Game 6 would take place in Atlanta on Thursday, October 29, at 8 p.m.

ET, followed by a potential Game 7 in Golden State on Saturday, October 31, at 8 p.m. ET, according to USA Today.

USA Today reported that, at the time of publication, ticket prices started at $315 for Game 1 and $319 for Game 2 in Golden State. Tickets for Game 3 in Atlanta started at $257, while Game 4 prices began at $259.

For the potential final three games, listed starting prices were $420 for Game 5, $360 for Game 6 and $624 for Game 7. Those games will be played only if necessary to determine the championship winner.