Golden State Valkyries clinch WNBA title in two years

The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Atlanta Dream 68-63 on Saturday to claim their first WNBA championship. The victory in Game 7 of the Finals marked the end of a two-year journey for the league's newest expansion team. The result fulfilled a specific promise made by owner Joe Lacob, though it arrived three years earlier than he had publicly stated.

In October 2024, Lacob interviewed Natalie Nakase for the head coaching position. During that meeting, Lacob told Nakase his goal was to win a title within five years. Nakase recalled slamming her fists on the table in response. She later said she knew immediately she wanted to work for Lacob to achieve that target. The two had set a timeline that the team has now beaten by a wide margin.

General manager Ohemaa Nyanin and Nakase built the roster with a focus on defense and team culture. They selected Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton in the 2024 expansion draft and signed Tiffany Hayes and Janelle Salaun to the roster. The team finished its first season in 2025 as the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs, though they were swept by the Minnesota Lynx in the first round.

The 2026 roster shifted dramatically after the team acquired Gabby Williams and Kiah Stokes. Williams, who had been a free agent, joined after Lacob pitched the team's long-term vision to her. Stokes, a three-time champion from Las Vegas, started every game this season due to the absence of Iiana Rupert. These additions transformed the team's competitive profile.

Nakase emphasized defense during the first three days of training camp, a decision Burton noted signaled a different approach for the season. The strategy paid off as Golden State held opponents to a league-low 75.1 points per game during the regular season. Stokes recorded 31 blocks in the postseason, tying Lisa Leslie for the most in WNBA history.

The team adjusted its lineup in Game 4 of the Finals after trailing the series 2-1. Nakase moved Tiffany Hayes and Kaila Charles into the starting lineup. The change helped the Valkyries win the next two games. Williams, who won Finals MVP, averaged 14.4 points per game and earned All-Defensive First Team honors. The team's performance secured a place in history for the franchise.