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The Valkyries are first-time, fast-time champions. Plus: College ball has tipped

The Golden State Valkyries made history as the first expansion team in WNBA history—and the second-fastest in any major North American league—to clinch a championship, defeating the Atlanta Dream in a thrilling Game 7, 68-63. The Valkyries’ triumph, built on a roster of underutilized players and draft-day leftovers, capped a season that defied expectations and delivered a title to a franchise just two years old.

Their defensive prowess was the cornerstone of their success, as they maintained a sub-40% shooting mark throughout the series, with Finals MVP Gabby Williams leading the way at 19.6 points per game—despite shooting just 32.6% from the field and 26.9% from three-point range. Now, the focus shifts to whether the Valkyries can repeat, hinging on free agency moves by general manager Ohemaa Nyanin to secure offensive firepower like Napheesa Collier or Kelsey Mitchell, both of whom shattered scoring records in recent seasons.

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