By Basant El-Faramawy
The Golden State Valkyries won the franchise's first WNBA championship on Saturday, defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history. The victory came on the road before a cheering crowd as purple confetti rained onto the court.
Historic Game 7 victory
Forward Gabby Williams led all scorers with 30 points and was instrumental in the clinching win. "I love moments like this," Williams said after the final buzzer, crediting head coach Natalie Nakase for advising patience in the first half. Nakase, a two-time champion as a player and the reigning Coach of the Year, guided the Valkyries to the title in only their second season.
Rapid rise to championship
In their inaugural 2025 season, Golden State finished 23-21 and became the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its first year. Before the 2026 campaign, the Valkyries rebuilt their frontcourt by signing Williams after her first All-Star selection and adding center Kiah Stokes from the Las Vegas Aces. Williams became the team's leading scorer, while Stokes provided a rebounding presence. Guard Veronica Burton directed the offense and led the team in assists during the regular season.
Series dynamics
Golden State won Game 1, but Atlanta responded with double-digit blowouts to take a 2-1 series lead. Nakase then shortened her rotation and leaned heavily on Williams, Stokes, and Burton. The Valkyries won two consecutive games to retake a 3-2 edge. The Dream staved off elimination in Game 6 at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, forcing the decisive Game 7.
Business boom and fanbase
The championship coincides with a business surge for the franchise, which shares principal ownership with the NBA's Golden State Warriors. In May, CNBC valued the Valkyries at $1 billion, making them the first WNBA team to reach that threshold. Golden State led the league in both average and total attendance during the regular season, selling out every home game at Chase Center — dubbed "Ballhalla" by fans. With a title secured, the organization aims to repeat in 2027.
