Golden State Valkyries set to meet Atlanta Dream in WNBA Finals after two‑year rise

The Valkyries, in only their second season, earned a finals berth against the Dream, who return for the first time since 2013.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 13:30:23 GMT

Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob, who vowed a championship within five years of buying the expansion franchise, will see his team face the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals that begin on Oct. 17, according to the Associated Press and Bleacher Report.

What happened

The Valkyries clinched a finals spot by sweeping defending champion Las Vegas Aces 87‑77 in overtime during the Western Conference semifinals. The Dream secured their place by completing a three‑game semifinal sweep of the New York Liberty, winning the decisive Game 3 by 85‑83 on Oct. 10.

What the reports add

AP noted that the Valkyries reached the finals in just their second season, fulfilling Lacob’s vision "to see it come to fruition in Year 2" as quoted by forward Kiah Stokes. Bleacher Report highlighted that the Dream’s run marked their first finals appearance since 2013 and emphasized Allisha Gray’s limited availability after a finger injury in the semifinals.

What was said

Valkyries forward Kiah Stokes told AP, "They had this vision from the start, to see it come to fruition in Year 2 is pretty amazing. It’s pretty special. We’re looking forward to the finals." Bleacher Report reported that the Dream’s four‑time All‑Star guard Allisha Gray "can't be overstated" in importance, noting her 19.0 points per game average and the impact of her finger injury on the semifinal series.

How it came about

Earlier Felo coverage tracked the playoff picture: on Sep. 22, Felo reported the Valkyries chasing a #2 seed (WNBA Playoff Race 2026: Final Week Standings & Predictions), while on Oct. 1 the Dream’s semifinal berth was secured (Atlanta Dream defeat Washington Mystics to reach WNBA semifinals). The Dream’s path to the finals was also chronicled in a Oct. 10 article on Angel Reese’s performance (Angel Reese leads Dream to first WNBA Finals as Breanna Stewart suffers first playoff sweep).

Key facts

The Golden State Valkyries will face the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Finals starting Oct. 17. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The Valkyries swept the Las Vegas Aces 87‑77 in overtime to reach the finals. (bleacherreport.com)
The Dream completed a three‑game semifinal sweep of the New York Liberty, winning 85‑83. (bleacherreport.com)
Owner Joe Lacob had promised a championship within five years of buying the franchise. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Allisha Gray missed most of the Dream’s semifinal series after a finger injury. (bleacherreport.com)