The Golden State Valkyries have made history, winning their first WNBA championship in just their second season after defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the Finals on Saturday.
The victory marked the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history and completed a remarkable rise for the expansion franchise. Forward Gabby Williams delivered a game-high 30 points to lead Golden State to the title.
Williams was named Finals MVP after producing a spectacular second-half performance. She scored just two points before halftime but exploded for 15 in the third quarter and another 13 in the fourth.
“I wasn’t gonna lose on Halloween,” Williams said while accepting the award.
After the game, she credited head coach Natalie Nakase for encouraging her to remain patient early in the contest.
“I love moments like this,” Williams said. “Nat told me to be patient in the first half. It was hard, but I listened to her. She’s right as always and she got us here.”
Williams, Stokes and Burton Lead the Way
Williams was the driving force offensively, while Kiah Stokes controlled the boards with 13 rebounds. The championship was Stokes' fourth career title.
“This is just incredible,” Stokes said. “The love that we feel is just incredible. I mean, this one just might be as good as my first.”
Guard Veronica Burton also played an important role in Golden State’s success, helping direct the offense throughout the season and the Finals.
Reflecting on her journey to the WNBA, Burton encouraged young players to keep believing in themselves.
“I would tell her it’s all worth it. Like, it’s not over. Don’t let anyone put a limit on you,” she said. “When you work, and when you put your head down and you grind, like, anything is possible.”
Nakase’s Adjustments Turn the Series Around
Golden State’s championship run was not without challenges. After winning the opening game, the Valkyries struggled as Atlanta responded with two convincing victories to take a 2-1 series lead.
Nakase made significant adjustments after Game 3, shortening her rotation and changing several spots in the starting lineup. She relied more heavily on Williams, Stokes and Burton, a decision that helped Golden State win two straight games and move within one victory of the championship.
Atlanta stayed alive with a Game 6 win on Thursday, forcing the historic winner-take-all matchup.
The Valkyries ultimately delivered under pressure, closing out the series with a five-point victory.
From Expansion Team to WNBA Champions
Golden State's rapid success has been remarkable. In its inaugural 2025 season, the franchise finished 23-21 and became the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the playoffs in its debut year. The Valkyries were eliminated in the first round.
The organization strengthened its roster ahead of the 2026 campaign, signing Williams after her first All-Star selection and adding Stokes in free agency following her time with the Las Vegas Aces.
Those additions helped transform the team's frontcourt, while Burton provided leadership and playmaking in the backcourt. Nakase, a two-time champion as a player and the reigning Coach of the Year, guided the revamped roster through its championship run.
A Championship and a Business Breakthrough
The title also caps a period of significant growth for the franchise. In May 2026, CNBC valued the Valkyries at $1 billion, making them the first WNBA team to reach that valuation.
Golden State also led the league in average and total attendance during the regular season. The team plays at Chase Center, where fans have embraced the nickname “Ballhalla.”
The Valkyries have sold out every home game across their first two seasons, reflecting the strong support behind the franchise.
With a championship already secured in only their second year, Golden State now has an opportunity to build on its historic achievement and pursue another title in 2027.
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