Golden State Valkyries Win First WNBA Championship in Historic Game 7

Written By Nick Crain | Published at November 1, 2026

Oct 31, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries players hold the trophy after winning the 2026 WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

A new WNBA champion has been crowned, and it's a first-time winner. The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday night, 68-63.

And in just the second year of the franchise's existence, Golden State has reached the mountaintop and completed one of the most remarkable postseason runs in recent history, going from expansion franchise to champion in just two years. That's a storyline that needs to be talked about more.

Gabby Williams Delivers Historic Game 7 Performance

Gabby Williams was the difference-maker for Golden State all season long and throughout the playoffs.

She finished with 30 points, 28 of which came in the second half, to lead the Valkyries to their first championship. And she took over when her team needed her most.

She's done that all postseason on both ends of the floor. She's made defensive plays, been a playmaker on offense and consistently delivered in big moments. Her 15 points in the third quarter alone were an encapsulation of her playoff performance and what ultimately won her WNBA Finals MVP.

Valkyries Make History in Their Second Season

Golden State has built a winning organization, and it's been unorthodox because this is the first WNBA champion to not have a single All-WNBA player on the roster.

It's a balanced attack led by Williams, of course, but it's a collective approach and a team that's bought in on both ends of the floor. Golden State was the best defensive team in the WNBA all season long, and that's what ultimately helped it win a championship.

The Valkyries defeated the Dallas Wings in the opening round, barely, after trailing by double digits in the third quarter before coming back and winning that game.

And from there, they really caught fire, sweeping the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. Though it took seven games in the Finals, they got it done.

It's a remarkable accomplishment. Head coach Natalie Nakase has built an organization and a culture that's all about winning. And again, just two years into their existence.