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Welcome to a new era of the WNBA, courtesy of Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream

The WNBA Finals will feature two expansion teams for the first time in league history after the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream completed their semifinal sweeps. The Valkyries secured their first-ever Finals appearance by sweeping the Las Vegas Aces in two games, while the Dream advanced to the Finals for the first time since 2013 by sweeping the New York Liberty in three games.

The Valkyries’ path to the Finals began with a dramatic 83-81 victory in Game 2 of their semifinal series against the Aces, extending their series lead to 2-0. Veronica Burton delivered a go-ahead triple in the win, sealing the sweep and ensuring the Valkyries’ historic advancement.

The victory marked the first time the Aces were eliminated in the semifinals. The Valkyries, playing at their home court Ballhalla, became the first expansion team to reach the Finals in their second year of existence.

The Atlanta Dream’s journey to the Finals was equally decisive, as they completed a three-game sweep of the Liberty in their semifinal series. Angel Reese and Rhyne Howard led the charge with 22 and 21 points, respectively, in the Game 3 clincher, an 85-83 win that secured the Dream’s spot in the Finals.

The Dream, seeded fourth in the playoffs with a 30-14 overall record and a 15-5 Eastern Conference mark, have remained undefeated in the postseason this season. Their last Finals appearance came in 2013, and their sweep of the Liberty—who finished 26-18—marked their first postseason series sweep since that year.

The Valkyries’ semifinal series against the Las Vegas Aces was a turning point for both franchises. The Aces, who entered the playoffs as defending champions, now face the possibility of a historic postseason exit after being eliminated in the semifinals.

The Valkyries’ sweep was described as a dramatic playoff victory, cementing their place in the Finals. Natalie Nakase, a key player for the Valkyries, rested following the Game 2 win, ensuring she would be available for the Finals.

The Dream’s dominance in the playoffs has been marked by clutch performances. Their Game 2 win over the Liberty in overtime, secured by Naz Hillmon’s go-ahead basket, set the tone for their sweep.

The Dream’s ability to close out series, combined with their star-studded roster, has positioned them as a formidable opponent in the Finals. Their 2026 Finals appearance, the first for both the Valkyries and the Dream in this iteration, marks a new era for the WNBA.

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