Two seasons into their existence, the Golden State Valkyries have already reached the top of the WNBA. Their 2026 campaign ended on October 31 with a championship celebration in San Francisco, following a closely contested final game against the Atlanta Dream.
The two teams needed all seven games to settle the championship, with Golden State eventually winning 68–63 at Chase Center. The Valkyries had trailed by six points at halftime before taking control during the second half, helped by an exceptional scoring performance from Gabby Williams.
For Golden State, the result also established a new standard for expansion teams entering the league. Seattle previously held the record for the shortest wait between joining the WNBA and winning a championship, having taken five seasons to claim its first title in 2004. The Valkyries accomplished that in two.
Williams Delivers When Golden State Needs Points
Atlanta had the advantage during the opening half of the deciding game, leaving Golden State with some ground to make up. The Valkyries had already faced several difficult stretches during the championship series, but there was no opportunity for another game if they failed to recover.
Williams became the center of Golden State’s offense after halftime. She scored 28 points during the final two quarters, setting a WNBA postseason record for points in a half. Her 30 points overall also tied a league record for a deciding Finals game.
A three-point basket from Williams late in the contest helped Golden State protect its lead. Atlanta continued competing through the final minutes, but the Valkyries finished ahead by five points and secured the championship.
Williams was selected as the Finals Most Valuable Player. She had joined Golden State earlier in the year after playing for Seattle, signing a three-year contract worth $3.7 million. Her previous accomplishments included a 2025 All-Star selection and recognition for her defensive abilities.
A Franchise That Started Playing in 2025
Golden State entered the WNBA as its 13th team, with its first season beginning in 2025. Like other expansion franchises, the organization had to find players and establish a coaching staff before competing against teams that had been together for years.
The results came quickly. Golden State won 23 games during its opening regular season, more than any previous WNBA expansion team had managed in its debut year. The Valkyries also qualified for the playoffs, becoming the first new franchise to reach postseason competition immediately.
Their first playoff appearance ended against Minnesota, which held the top seed. Golden State did not advance past that round, but the organization kept much of its roster together as preparations began for the following season.
The team’s second regular season produced 32 victories against 12 defeats. That improvement placed Golden State second in the playoff standings and gave the Valkyries another opportunity to compete beyond the regular season.
Dallas was the first opponent on their postseason schedule. After advancing, Golden State faced Las Vegas, the defending WNBA champion, and earned a place in the Finals by eliminating the Aces.
A Seven-Game Battle Against Atlanta
The championship series began with a Golden State victory, but Atlanta responded by winning the next two contests. With the Dream ahead, the Valkyries needed to make adjustments to avoid falling further behind.
Head coach Natalie Nakase changed the starting lineup and altered how she approached discussions with players. Golden State responded by winning Games 4 and 5, with its defense limiting Atlanta’s scoring opportunities.
Atlanta recovered in Game 6, bringing the series even again. That meant the two teams would return to Chase Center for a seventh meeting, something that had never previously happened in the WNBA Finals.
Nakase had joined Golden State after working as an assistant coach with the Las Vegas Aces. She had already been part of two championship teams in that position, but this was her first opportunity to win the title while leading a WNBA franchise.
Building a Roster That Could Compete
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin helped organize Golden State’s initial roster through the expansion draft and later player acquisitions. The organization brought together athletes from different teams, including several who had not previously held major roles with their former clubs.
Veronica Burton, Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini were among the players who joined during the team’s early development. Kiah Stokes was another addition who contributed during the championship season, particularly on defense.
Golden State also received regular scoring contributions from players outside its starting lineup. During the 2026 regular season, the team’s reserves averaged 35.9 points per game, giving the coaching staff several options throughout the year.
The organization had set ambitious goals before its first season. Principal owner Joe Lacob had wanted the Valkyries to win a championship within five years, a target the team reached considerably sooner than planned.
San Francisco and Oakland Prepare for Championship Celebration
Although the Valkyries play their home games in San Francisco, the organization maintains its headquarters and practice facilities in Oakland. Both cities have been involved in the team’s development, and Oakland entertainers appeared at several games during the postseason.
Among those participating in playoff events were Too $hort, E-40, Kehlani, Sheila E and En Vogue. Williams, who lives in Oakland, has also discussed her connection to the city and its basketball fans.
The Valkyries scheduled their championship parade for Wednesday, November 4, following a private trophy presentation in Oakland. The public event in San Francisco is planned from noon until 2 p.m., with spectators able to begin gathering at 9 a.m.
The route follows The Embarcadero, starting near the Ferry Building at Mission Street and continuing to King and Second streets. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is expected to participate with the players, coaches and team staff, along with other Bay Area personalities.
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