The Golden State Valkyries secured the 2026 WNBA championship with a 68-63 victory over the Atlanta Dream in a tightly contested Game 7 on Saturday night at Chase Center in San Francisco. The victory marks a remarkable achievement for the Valkyries, who captured the league title in just their second season of existence.
Gabby Williams was the standout performer, finishing with a game-high 30 points, including 28 scored in the second half. Her offensive surge helped Golden State overcome a nine-point deficit in the third quarter and ultimately provided the decisive plays down the stretch. Williams also contributed defensively, blocking four shots during the game and winning a crucial jump ball with 8.3 seconds left while the Valkyries held a narrow 66-63 lead.
Golden State’s comeback began after falling behind 37-28 midway through the third quarter. Williams sparked a rally that tied the game at 53-all with just over five minutes remaining. In the final minutes, she continued to influence the outcome, hitting free throws and a long-range 31-foot shot that gave the Valkyries a lead they maintained until the final buzzer. Kiah Stokes played a pivotal role as well, tipping in a missed shot with 53 seconds remaining to extend Golden State’s advantage to 64-57. Stokes finished with eight points and a game-high 13 rebounds.
Veronica Burton added crucial contributions with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, including the final points scored on free throws in the closing seconds. Former San Francisco Giants star Barry Bonds and multiple NBA champion Draymond Green were among the spectators supporting the Valkyries at Chase Center, which fans affectionately call “Ballhalla.”
Atlanta, which has yet to win a championship since joining the league in 2008, was led by Jordin Canada’s 18 points and Allisha Gray’s 16. The Dream, who have lost in the finals three times previously (2010, 2011, 2013), struggled offensively throughout the game, shooting just 33.3 percent from the field and converting only six three-pointers on 30 attempts. Angel Reese contributed eight points and 12 rebounds for Atlanta. The Dream also had eight shots blocked by Golden State defenders.
The Valkyries’ victory was notable for their defensive pressure and resilience in overcoming shooting difficulties, making just five three-pointers on 20 attempts. Their ability to rally in the second half and hold off a persistent Atlanta attack secured their first title and established them as a rising force in the WNBA.