Valkyries Sweep Aces to Set Up WNBA Finals Matchup With Dream

Written By Nick Crain | Published at October 10, 2026

Jul 4, 2026; College Park, Georgia, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) is defended by Atlanta Dream guard Jordin Canada (3) during the second half at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The WNBA Finals are officially set, with the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream matching up for a championship.

And not only is it a big deal for the Dream, who haven't made it to this stage since 2013, but it's a historic milestone for the Valkyries, who are a recent expansion franchise that didn't even exist on the court two years ago.

Now they're just one series victory away from winning a championship. And along the way, they knocked out one of the most accomplished franchises in the league to get there and are the biggest headline in the sport.

Valkyries Complete Stunning Sweep of Aces

The Las Vegas Aces entered the postseason with championship expectations, led by five-time MVP A'ja Wilson and a roster full of experience. But the Valkyries took control of the series with victories in the first two games, putting Las Vegas in a tough position.

And even with their backs against the wall, the Aces couldn't extend the series. They did take Game 3 to overtime, but Golden State closed it out and looked like the more poised team when it mattered most. For a franchise that's only in its second year, beating a team like Las Vegas, with arguably the best player in the league and significant championship pedigree, is a big deal.

Angel Reese Leads Dream Into WNBA Finals

Angel Reese was the big offseason acquisition for Atlanta, and it's paid huge dividends. After winning Defensive Player of the Year, she'll now hope to lead the Dream's push for a championship. And this is a franchise that hasn't been known for being particularly competitive in recent history.

Atlanta hasn't reached this stage of the playoffs in more than a decade, and Reese and her teammates have put together a phenomenal season. They also looked dominant in the semifinals, sweeping their series against the New York Liberty to punch their ticket to the Finals.

So we've got a pair of teams that swept their respective semifinal series and are now matching up for a championship. Both are playing with a ton of confidence, and for two franchises looking to make history, the stage is set for what should be an exciting WNBA Finals.