The Golden State Valkyries will begin their quest for a WNBA championship in just their second year of existence when they face the Atlanta Dream. The best-of series opens on Saturday in San Francisco, pitting two franchises seeking their first WNBA titles against each other.
Golden State became the first WNBA expansion team to qualify for the playoffs in its inaugural season in 2025, then reached the Finals in only its second season, another expansion franchise record. Owner Joe Lacob, who promised a championship within the first five years, will watch from the Chase Center as the team's "Ballhalla" crowd fills the building in a violet-crazed sell-out.
Lacob praised the fans and the sense of togetherness around the team. "We all, as a team of people, fans, players, organisation - together we're making history, and we all feel it," he said.
Under head coach Natalie Nakase, who was hired as the first head coach for the Valkyries in October 2024, the roster has built a reputation on understated stars. Kayla Thornton, a 33-year-old undrafted forward out of UTEP, became an All-Star in 2025. Gabby Williams said the group never felt it was talked about, but believed in each other. "We felt that we had something worth fighting for," she said.
The Valkyries finished the 2026 regular season 32-12 and advanced through the playoffs, including a semi-final victory over defending champion Las Vegas Aces. Atlanta has lost three previous Finals appearances, in 2010, 2011 and 2013, and is hoping to claim its first championship in franchise history.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing