Brief

Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream open WNBA Finals on Oct. 17

The expansion Valkyries seek a rapid championship while the Dream aim for their first title since 2013.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 17 Oct 2026 19:50:52 GMT

The WNBA will crown its first‑time champion as the Golden State Valkyries host the Atlanta Dream in a best‑of‑seven Finals that begins Saturday, Oct. 17, according to the Associated Press.

What happened

The series opens with Game 1 on Saturday, broadcast by NBC, and will continue with Games 2 and 3 on USA Network. NBC will also carry Game 4 a week later, while USA Network is slated for Games 5, 6 and 7 if needed. The Valkyries, in only their second season, are aiming to become the fastest expansion team to win a title. The Dream are returning to the Finals for the first time since 2013 after three previous championship‑round losses.

What the reports add

The AP notes that the Valkyries posted the league’s highest regular‑season attendance, averaging over 18,000 fans per game. Ticket prices for Game 1 were just above $200, a steep rise from last year’s $48 for the Phoenix‑Las Vegas Finals opener. In Atlanta, the Dream secured State Farm Arena – a 17,000‑seat venue normally home to the NBA’s Hawks – for Games 3 and 4 after a joint WNBA‑NBA resolution; the team had previously played at the 3,500‑seat Gateway Center Arena. Tickets for the Atlanta games are currently listed under $100.

What was said

The article includes a caption of Dream forward Angel Reese attempting a basket during a media day in Oakland on Oct. 16, but provides no direct quotes from players or coaches.

How it came about

Earlier Felo coverage detailed the Valkyries’ rapid rise, noting their sweep of the Las Vegas Aces and the Dream’s semifinal sweep of the New York Liberty. Owner Joe Lacob had previously promised a championship within five years of acquiring the franchise. Coach Natalie Nakase, who collapsed during a first‑round playoff game, was reminded by Ty Lue to stay nourished ahead of the series. Angel Reese’s 22‑point performance secured the Dream’s first Finals berth, ending a long‑standing playoff drought for the franchise.

Key facts

The WNBA Finals start on Oct. 17 with the Golden State Valkyries hosting the Atlanta Dream. (winnipegfreepress.com)
NBC will broadcast Game 1 and Game 4; USA Network will broadcast Games 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The Valkyries averaged over 18,000 fans per regular‑season game, the highest in the league. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Ticket price for Game 1 was just over $200, compared with $48 for last year’s Finals opener. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The Dream will play Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena, a 17,000‑seat venue. (winnipegfreepress.com)