The Golden State Valkyries secured a place in the W.N.B.A. finals on Friday night, marking a significant milestone for the expansion team in just their second season. The Valkyries defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime, completing a semifinal series sweep against the reigning champions led by five-time league MVP A’ja Wilson. This victory punctuated a rapid ascension for a franchise that few expected to contend so quickly.
The Valkyries’ triumph, paired with the Atlanta Dream’s earlier elimination of the New York Liberty, signals a shifting landscape in the W.N.B.A. playoffs. Historically dominated by the Liberty and Aces, the upcoming finals—set to begin Saturday in San Francisco—will feature two teams outside that traditional framework, showcasing the league's evolving competition.
Gabby Williams, one of Golden State’s standout performers, highlighted the team’s resilience and cohesion. “Nobody believed in us, but it honestly made us smile. Because we were like, all we need is each other,” Williams said. Her impact was significant, finishing the season just behind Wilson in MVP voting, and playing a key role in the Valkyries’ landmark postseason run.
The Valkyries’ 23-win debut season had already set a record for an expansion team, and coach Natalie Nakase was recognized as coach of the year in 2025. Building on that foundation, the franchise has combined skillful personnel decisions, strong organizational support, and fan engagement to create a competitive culture rapidly. Co-owner Joe Lacob had publicly set a goal of winning a championship within five years of the team’s founding, a promise now looking attainable.
Golden State’s rise represents a new operational model within the league, challenging conventional wisdom that expansion teams require extended rebuilding periods. Players such as point guard Veronica Burton, who was left unprotected in the expansion draft, have emerged as key contributors, underscoring the Valkyries’ successful talent acquisition and development approach.
The team’s style, characterized by relentless effort and unity, earned praise even from opponents. Becky Hammon, head coach of the Las Vegas Aces and Nakase’s former mentor, lauded the Valkyries’ character. The two coaches shared mutual respect following each game, reflecting the competitive spirit and close-knit nature of the league.
The Valkyries’ journey has not been without hardship. Nakase’s dedication was evident when she collapsed from exhaustion during earlier playoff rounds, underscoring the intense physical and emotional demands faced by the team. Ultimately, the Valkyries’ perseverance has garnered both results and admiration.
Their final series opponent, the Atlanta Dream, also made their first finals appearance after reshaping their roster with key midseason acquisitions such as DeWanna Bonner. Both teams embody a fresh wave of contenders poised to redefine the W.N.B.A. championship landscape.
As Golden State prepared for the upcoming finals, Nakase reflected on the achievement: “This is a dream come true.” After just two seasons, the Valkyries have moved from expansion hopefuls to championship contenders, signaling a new era in women’s professional basketball.