From the west side come the Golden State Valkyries — defiant in violet, queens of “Ballhalla.” The super-charged second-year expansion franchise is smashing all conceivable expectations en route to the 2026 WNBA Finals.
And from out east come the Atlanta Dream — ATL’s A-team, pursuing a championship breakthrough after almost two decades of existence. The Dream made an all-in blockbuster trade during the offseason, and they continue to reap the rewards.
Only one franchise can lift the trophy, but fans of the W should see this well-balanced finale as an unequivocal win for the league.
Golden State is paced by the relentless Gabby Williams, a two-way star who continues to improve her game. She’s surrounded by other sleepers and scrappers such as Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes, Kayla Thornton and Tiffany Hayes. Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase implements a patient 3-and-D system. The team is the toughest of outs at home in San Francisco’s Chase Center.
But the Dream most certainly hold their own with Angel Reese as their anchor. The Defensive Player of the Year is flanked by playmaking guards Rhyne Howard and Jordin Canada, plus an all-time great in veteran DeWanna Bonner. Karl Smesko’s team is a problem, even if All-Star Allisha Gray is held back with a hand injury.
This should be a good one. Check out the full series schedule below.
You can watch the WNBA on Fubo (Stream Free Now).
2026 WNBA Finals schedule
Game 1 at Golden State: Saturday, Oct. 17, 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT on NBC
Game 2 at Golden State: Monday, Oct. 19, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on USA, CNBC and E!
Game 3 at Atlanta: Wednesday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on USA and CNBC
Game 4 at Atlanta: Saturday, Oct. 24, 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on NBC
Game 5 at Golden State (if necessary): Monday, Oct. 26, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on USA and CNBC
Game 6 at Atlanta (if necessary): Thursday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on USA and CNBC
Game 7 at Golden State (if necessary): Saturday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on USA and CNBC
All games also stream on Peacock’s premium plan.
The Athletic‘s WNBA Finals coverage
Our staff makes predictions for the series.
Sabreena Merchant outlines the key factors for both teams.
Chantel Jennings weighs in on the questions to be answered.
Marcus Thompson II looks at Gabby Williams’ emergence.
Katie Richcreek breaks down the series odds.
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This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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