In just their second season the Golden State Valkyries earn the title of 2026 WNBA Champions after defeating the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the Finals on Saturday night at Chase Center. Gabby Williams was unstoppable on both ends of the court, recording a team-high 30 points and four blocks. She scored more points in the second half (28) than any player in WNBA Finals history and becomes the only player to have 30+ points, 4+ blocks and 2+ steals in a finals game. Her performance solidified her as the 2026 Finals MVP.

CRUCIAL FINAL MOMENTS
The contest was tied at 55 a piece with just under three minutes left in the seven-game series. Williams sank a dagger from deep followed by a pair of made free throws to lead Golden State to a 7-0 scoring run. Atlanta made a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to four but the Valkyries closed out the game with Veronica Burton making the final pair of free throws to clinch the historic win.

LASER FOCUSED FROM THE FIRST FRAME
The Valkyries' lockdown defense was on full display from tipoff, as they recorded five blocks by four different players in the opening quarter. With a chorus of "defense" chants from Ballhalla fueling them, the Valkyries held Atlanta's offense to 0-for-6 from the field across the first five minutes of the game while going up by eight points. Atlanta's scoreless start marks the longest shooting drought to start a WNBA Finals game in league history.

The Dream responded down the stretch by taking a one point lead with a 12-4 scoring run. Burton gave the Valkyries the advantage with 4 second left to end the first with a tough drive and finish.

WILLIAMS BRINGS THE VALKS BACK IN IT
Despite Golden State starting the second quarter up by two, Atlanta built off their late surge from the first, leaving the Valkyries trailing by six points at halftime. Gabby Williams took charge in the third quarter, scoring 15 points and tallying one assist to make up 81% of the team's offense and close the gap going into the fourth quarter.

STOKES' CAPS OFF HER DEFENSIVE CAMPAIGN
Kiah Stokes was electric during this finals series, setting the record for most blocks in WNBA Finals history, surpassing the previous record of 12 by Game 4. She ends the series with 19 blocks, after adding two more in Game 7. Stokes recorded a team-high 13 rebounds and shot an effective 4-for-7 from the field to close out her impressive performance over the seven game series on Saturday night.

HISTORIC SECOND SEASON
The Golden State Valkyries wrap up their second season on the biggest stage, becoming the first expansion team to win the finals in just their second year of existence. Game 7 marked the 53rd consecutive sellout dating back to last season. They have sold out every regular and post season game in the team’s history.