Golden State Valkyries Win First WNBA Title in Historic Game 7 Victory Over Atlanta Dream
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 to capture the franchise’s first WNBA title in only their second season of existence.
The Historic Game 7 Victory at Chase Center
The decisive matchup marked the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history, culminating in a 68-63 victory for Golden State over the Atlanta Dream on Saturday. Forward Gabby Williams led all scorers with 30 points, earning Finals MVP honors after a historic offensive surge. Williams scored 15 points in the third quarter and 13 in the fourth, recovering from a two-point first half. “I wasn’t gonna lose on Halloween,” Williams said. Confetti rained down as the crowd at the Chase Center, known to fans as “Ballhalla,” erupted in celebration. Teammate Kiah Stokes grabbed 13 rebounds to anchor the middle, reflecting on her fourth career championship. “This is just incredible,” Stokes said. “But just my teammates, they’re amazing. The love that we feel is just incredible. I mean, this one just might be as good as my first.” Guard Veronica Burton directed the offense with steady play throughout the regular season and the final series.
Roster Rebuild and Coaching Adjustments in the Finals
The championship run followed a strategic roster overhaul prior to the 2026 season. After finishing 23-21 and bowing out in the first round of the playoffs during their inaugural season—the only time an expansion team reached the postseason in its first year—Golden State signed Williams after her first All-Star appearance and added Stokes via free agency from the Las Vegas Aces. That rebuilt frontcourt allowed head coach Natalie Nakase, the reigning Coach of the Year and a two-time champion as a player, to manage a tense Finals series. After the Valkyries won Game 1, the Dream responded with double-digit blowout wins to take a 2-1 lead. Nakase shortened her rotation after Game 3 and altered her starting lineup, leaning heavily on her core trio of Williams, Stokes, and Burton. The adjustments sparked two consecutive victories to reclaim a 3-2 edge. Atlanta forced a Game 7 by winning Thursday’s Game 6 in Atlanta, a contest that tipped off at 12:30 p.m. ET due to scheduling conflicts at State Farm Arena, a venue significantly larger than the Dream’s home arena which seats fewer than 4,000.
Valkyries Become First WNBA Team Valued at $1 Billion
The team’s on-court success mirrors a significant financial surge for the franchise, which shares principal ownership with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. In May, CNBC valued Golden State at $1 billion, establishing the Valkyries as the first WNBA team to reach that threshold. Throughout the regular season, the team led the league in both average and total attendance, selling out every home game at the Chase Center across its first two seasons. Reflecting on her path to the professional ranks, Burton shared a message for aspiring athletes. “I would tell her it’s all worth it. Like, it’s not over. Don’t let anyone put a limit on you,” Burton said. “We didn’t let anyone put a limit on us all year. And when you work, and when you put your head down and you grind, like, anything is possible.” With the championship trophy secured, the organization turns its focus toward preparations for the 2027 season and a defense of the title.
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THE GOLDEN STATE VALKYRIES ARE YOUR 2026 WNBA CHAMPIONS! 🏆The @valkyries defeat the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7, becoming the fastest expansion franchise in WNBA history to win a championship, doing so in just their second season!Gabby Williams: 30 PTS | 4 BLK | 4 3PMKiah… pic.twitter.com/uZBdqBTbRY