Overview
- The Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in the league’s first-ever Finals Game 7 to claim the 2026 WNBA championship.
- Gabby Williams scored 30 points with 28 in the second half, added multiple blocks, and was named Finals MVP for her decisive run.
- Coach Natalie Nakase moved Williams onto Naz Hillmon in Game 7, and Second Spectrum counted Williams–Hillmon matchups jump from 17 to 33, a change that shifted possessions and scoring opportunities.
- Angel Reese finished with 8 points, 12 rebounds and no fourth-quarter field-goal attempts as fans and media criticized Atlanta coach Karl Smesko for late substitutions that removed Reese for stretches in the decisive period.
- The win delivered $60,000 playoff bonuses to Valkyries roster players and a $30,000 MVP payout to Williams while the series has also produced heated social-media backlash and renewed debate over coaching, scheduling and player pay.