Valkyries begin WNBA title quest in just their second season

In only their second season, Golden State will open its pursuit of a WNBA title against the Atlanta Dream. The Golden State Valkyries face the Atlanta Dream in the Finals, which start on Saturday in San Francisco and bring together two franchises still seeking their first league title. Gabby Williams, meanwhile, was determined to prove herself in the WNBA after sensing that some people doubted her ability.

Golden State finished the 2026 regular season 32-12 before reaching the Finals through the playoffs, including a semi-final victory over defending champions the Las Vegas Aces. Owner Joe Lacob will find the Chase Center sold out, with the Valkyries’ “Ballhalla” crowd and its sea of violet providing the atmosphere. He had promised a championship within the first five years; in year two, his team is playing for one.

Lacob praised the supporters’ commitment: “What is truly remarkable is how great our fans are. Our players love it, we love it.” Under his leadership, Golden State has assembled a roster of understated stars, coached by Natalie Nakase, who was hired as the Valkyries’ first head coach in October 2024.

Williams called it “a special group” and said the team is approaching the Finals with the same determination to stick together and remain unselfish. Atlanta, meanwhile, lost its three previous Finals appearances, in 2010, 2011 and 2013, and is chasing the first championship in franchise history. Last season, Kaitlyn Chen, Veronica Burton’s backup at point guard, was briefly released by the Valkyries before returning. Burton had been cut by Dallas two years earlier.