The Golden State Valkyries captured their first WNBA championship, defeating the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 on Saturday. The expansion franchise, in just its second season, became the first to win a title in its first two years. Kayla Thornton, Tiffany Hayes, Cecilia Zandalasini and Kaitlyn Chen are free agents.
The draft lottery is set for Nov. 15 to determine the 2027 No. 1 pick. The Connecticut Sun will relocate to become the Houston Comets. After dropping Games 2 and 3, Golden State regrouped with "vulnerable" team meetings, winning the next two games before Gabby Williams scored 30 points in the clincher.
Williams finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, while Kiah Stokes dominated the postseason. The Valkyries led the league in defense. Natalie Nakase was runner-up Coach of the Year, and Janelle Salaun was unanimous Sixth Player of the Year.
Golden State will return its top three scorers in Williams, Salaun and Burton, with Stokes still under contract. Iliana Rupert returns from pregnancy. Kaila Charles and Juste Jocyte are also under contract.
The front office has a clear vision for the roster despite initial confusion. Movement in 2027 free agency could be more active than ever given the short turnaround between the new collective bargaining agreement and training camps. The Valkyries own first-, second- and third-round picks in the 2027 draft.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing