The Golden State Valkyries captured their franchise’s first WNBA championship on Saturday night, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in a historic Game 7. In just their second year of existence, the Valkyries overcame a first-half deficit to secure the title, driven by a monumental second-half performance from Gabby Williams. Williams scored 28 of her 30 total points after the break, orchestrating a decisive comeback that silenced the Atlanta crowd and sealed a 2-1 series victory in the best-of-seven Finals.
Historic Game 7 thriller caps a 30th season defined by labor disputes and on-court dominance
The path to the championship was equally dramatic for both finalists, who entered the postseason with perfect 5-0 records. The Dream forced the first-ever Game 7 in WNBA history by surviving a Game 6 scare in Atlanta, having previously swept the New York Liberty in the semifinals. Meanwhile, the Valkyries eliminated the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces in the semis and edged past the Dallas Wings in the first round. This marked the second season in league history to feature a best-of-seven Finals format, underscoring the expanded postseason structure implemented for 2026.
This title concludes a groundbreaking 30th season for the WNBA, which launched following a contentious labor agreement that reshaped the league’s landscape. The victory cements the Valkyries as immediate contenders in the new era, while the Dream’s resilience in forcing a decisive Game 7 highlights the competitive depth of the 2026 playoff bracket. As the dust settles on a season defined by both off-court battles and on-court excellence, Golden State stands atop the mountain with a trophy that will define their early legacy.
Source: CBS Sports
