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yesterday

Valkyries and Dream Open WNBA Finals With First Title Guaranteed

Starting Oct. 17, the series turns on Angel Reese’s Defensive Player of the Year form, Golden State’s home-court defensive edge, Games 3 and 4 moving to State Farm, Allisha Gray’s uncertain status.

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Forward Gabby Williams led the Valkyries in scoring this season at 14.4 points per game, a figure she has pushed to 22.7 in six postseason games.
Fans cheer as the Golden State Valkyries face the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of the semifinals at Chase Center in San Francisco on October 7, 2026. 
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Overview

  • The best-of-seven Finals begin Saturday, Oct. 17 at Golden State’s Chase Center with Games 3, 4 and 6 moved to Atlanta’s State Farm Arena and the series alternating home sites for a guaranteed first-time WNBA champion.
  • Angel Reese was named the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year and her rebounding and turnover pressure are central to Atlanta’s transition offense and playoff success.
  • Golden State enters with the league’s top defensive and net ratings from the regular season, deep rotation options and the home-court crowd that experts say could be decisive in close games.
  • Atlanta added veteran DeWanna Bonner late in August and has leaned on Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard in the playoffs, while Allisha Gray’s recent hand procedure leaves her availability and impact uncertain.
  • The move of Games 3 and 4 to State Farm boosted secondary-market ticket prices and highlights how venue shifts can change competitive feel, revenue and local access as the series unfolds.