Golden State Valkyries Defeat Dream to Become 2026 WNBA Champions—Williams Named MVP

They have successfully defended BALLHALLA. And now they will paint the town in purple in celebration. A team that didn’t even exist three years ago has brought a title to the Bay Area. Congratulations to these basketball warriors, the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Dream to become 2026 WNBA champions with Gabby Williams named MVP!

The Dream forced Game 7 with an 80-69 win over the Valkyries on Thursday. Which also meant history was to be made on Saturday night one way or another. There has never been a Game 7 in WNBA playoff history. The Finals format was changed last year from best of five to best of seven.

Last year’s inaugural best-of-seven Finals ended in a four-sweep, and prior to 2025, the WNBA Finals played a best-of-five format (which went to a decisive Game 5 thirteen times). The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream tied their 2026 series 3–3 after Atlanta won Game 6, setting up the winner-take-all Game 7 at Chase Center in San Francisco. So then, what happened in this final showdown?

Well, Game 7 was a very slow and low scoring affair. Which was expected since the series starred two of the best defenses in the league. For a nice chunk of the first quarter Atlanta remained scoreless; but eventually the franchise settled in and grabbed the lead. However, by halftime both teams were still under 35 points.

The Atlanta Dream led the Golden State Valkyries 30-24 at the half. Both team’s largest leads had been 8. Golden State’s 24-point half is the ninth time in this series that a team has failed to reach 30 points in a half.

However, both teams had at least one player accounting for 1/3 of the points scored. Jordin Canada led the Dream with 13 points; and Veronica Burton’s 8 led the way for GSV. With one more half to go both teams would need to bring the energy.

In the third quarter, the Atlanta Dream were able to tack on 14 additional points. But it was the Valkyries who would not be denied. And were not going to go quietly. Golden State caught up to ATL and barely skated past them before the quarter ended. Going into the fourth the Valkyries led by just one single point, 44-45! Who would want it more?!

With five minutes left to go the Atlanta Dream tie up it up 53-53! Adding to the drama! However, with two minutes to go Gabby Williams puts the team on her back making a three-pointer and free throws after fouled. Then, Kiah Stokes had the two point dagger that put the Valkyries up seven. While Atlanta would fight to the very end, GSW would triumph. Winning 63-68.

Golden State Valkyries Defeat Dream to Become 2026 WNBA Champions—Williams Named MVP!

As mentioned, Williams is this year’s Finals MVP. And she earned it especially in Game 7. Gabby is the only player in WNBA Finals history to record 30+ points, 4+ blocks and 2+ steals in a game.

Owner Joe Lacob promised the Bay he would bring a WNBA championship within five years. He gets in done in two seasons. Amazing. The Valkyries are the fastest WNBA expansion team to win a title.

Furthermore, Golden State now dethrones the Bucks. The 1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks held the record for the fastest championship by an expansion franchise (3rd season). But now, the Valkyries hold the crown. The Valkyries capture a title in just their second season. Becoming the fastest expansion team in league history and fastest in North American professional sports history to win a Championship! Congratulations Valkyries!

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