Thrilling Game 7 victory over Atlanta: Golden State wins first WNBA title in franchise history
A championship in year two
Golden State closed out the Finals with a 68-63 win over Atlanta on Saturday. The Valkyries secured the franchise’s first championship in just their second season as a team.
A record-setting WNBA season
The 2026 season produced new league attendance marks. The WNBA said 3.8 million fans attended 330 regular-season games, and average attendance climbed 21% from the previous record high.
Golden State strengthened its roster by signing Gabby Williams in the offseason. The Valkyries finished the regular season 32-12 and beat the Dallas Wings, led by Paige Bueckers, and the Las Vegas Aces, led by A’ja Wilson, to reach the Finals.
League praised Game 6 planning
WNBA commissioner Engelbert thanked the NBA, the Dream, the Valkyries, the Hawks, State Farm Arena and USA Network for helping make a move possible. She said the league looked forward to another memorable Finals experience in Atlanta.
Engelbert said the change would give thousands more fans a chance to attend Game 6, with a championship at stake. The series ultimately went to a decisive seventh game.
Key points
- Golden State beat Atlanta 68-63 in Game 7 to win its first WNBA title.
- The Valkyries won the championship in their second season as a team.
- The WNBA reported 3.8 million attendees across 330 regular-season games in 2026.
- Atlanta has lost all four of its WNBA Finals appearances.