The Golden State Valkyries made history by becoming the first expansion team to reach the WNBA Finals within its first two seasons, sweeping the Las Vegas Aces 3-0. The Valkyries secured their spot with an 87-77 overtime victory on Oct. 10, 2026, overcoming an 11-point deficit in the third quarter. They will face the Atlanta Dream in a best-of-seven series starting Oct. 17 in San Francisco.
Built through an expansion draft and bolstered by free-agent signings Gabby Williams and Kiah Stokes, the Valkyries entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed with the league's best defense. Despite facing reigning champion Aces and five-time MVP A'ja Wilson, Golden State remained resilient. Williams delivered a crucial steal and assist late in regulation, while Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton led the overtime surge. Coach Natalie Nakase called the Finals appearance a "dream come true" in the franchise's second year.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing