Atlanta and Golden State advance to the WNBA Finals after thrilling semifinal sweeps against elite opponents.
The 2026 WNBA Finals are officially set after a dramatic round of playoff action. The Atlanta Dream punched their ticket to the championship series by completing a three-game semifinal sweep of the New York Liberty with an 85-83 road victory, according to information published by bleache.
Later that evening, the expansion-era Golden State Valkyries made history in their second season by knocking out the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with an 87-77 overtime win. This decisive victory secured their own three-game semifinal sweep and a spot in the ultimate stage.
Both powerhouse franchises now prepare for a high-stakes, best-of-seven championship series. The upcoming clash highlights incredible defensive grit, remarkable resilience, and elite coaching across the league, setting the stage for an unforgettable conclusion to the season.
Atlanta Dream Overcomes Injuries Without Allisha Gray
The Atlanta Dream reached their first WNBA Finals since 2013 despite missing star guard Allisha Gray. Gray suffered a finger injury on her shooting hand during Game 1 of the semifinals and missed the remainder of the series.
Head coach strategies shifted to a super-short rotation, relying heavily on veteran leadership. Angel Reese led the team in scoring with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Jordin Canada added 19 points and 13 assists.
DeWanna Bonner contributed a dominant 13-point, 13-rebound double-double, and Rhyne Howard chipped in 21 points. The team hopes Gray can recover during the seven-day rest period before the Finals begin.
Golden State Valkyries Outwork Las Vegas Aces
The Golden State Valkyries displayed tenacious defense and composure to eliminate the Las Vegas Aces in overtime during Game 3. Golden State overcame a deficit in the third quarter by mounting a massive 17-0 scoring run.
After regulation ended in a tie, the Valkyries dominated the extra period 17-7. Head coach Natalie Nakase guided a deep roster where eight players scored six or more points, led by Kayla Thornton with 18 points.
Defensive intensity forced 11 turnovers from the Aces backcourt, while five-time MVP A'ja Wilson was held to just 6-of-19 shooting. Golden State secured home-court advantage for the championship round.
WNBA Finals Schedule and Preview
The upcoming championship series features the top two defensive teams in the league. Golden State swept the regular-season series 3-0 against Atlanta, but the Dream enter the Finals as the hottest team in basketball.
The best-of-seven series will follow a 2-2-1-1-1 format. Game 1 starts next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET broadcast on NBC and Peacock, with subsequent games airing across USA Network and Peacock.
Fans can anticipate a fiercely contested matchup between two resilient squads. Key player recoveries and deep bench rotations will heavily influence who claims the ultimate prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the teams in the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries will face off in the 2026 WNBA Finals after winning their respective semifinal series.
How did the Atlanta Dream reach the Finals without Allisha Gray?
Atlanta relied on standout performances from Angel Reese, Jordin Canada, and DeWanna Bonner to complete a three-game sweep of the New York Liberty.
When do the WNBA Finals start?
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals begins next Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET with home-court advantage awarded to the Golden State Valkyries.
What is the format of the WNBA Finals series?
The championship series is a best-of-seven format following a 2-2-1-1-1 structure, with games broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock.
