The2026 WNBA Finalswill feature the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, with both franchises chasing their first championship as the best-of-seven series begins October 17.
The Finals use a first-to-four format, meaning the champion must win four games, ensuring the series can last four, five, six or seven games, depending on how quickly either team reaches that target. The potential Game 7 scheduled for October 31.
Sweeps remain relatively uncommon in Finals history, although the 2025 Las Vegas Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury, while the Seattle Storm previously swept the Aces in a best-of-three format in 2020.
Atlanta booked its place by beating the 2024 champion the New York Liberty 85-83 on completing a semifinal sweep as Angel Reese led the charge, averaging 20.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, two blocks and one steal per game in the series.
Whilst Golden State secured its berth by defeating the Aces 87-77 in Game 3 as Gabby Williams, Kayla Thornton and Veronica Burton helped the Valkyries overcome A’ja Wilson.
Atlanta enters the Finals riding a 10-game winning streak dating back to the regular season, while Golden State swept the regular-season series 3-0, creating an intriguing match-up in the final series of the season.
The Valkyries held opponents to a league-low 80.4 points per game in the postseason, giving the Dream a formidable defensive challenge as they will rely on Reese, Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray to pressure the ball, disrupt passing lanes and force mistakes.
Atlanta is 12-0 when Reese makes at least one three-pointer, but the team must also keep its offense moving against Golden State’s disciplined defense as the Valkyries have demonstrated that its depth can compensate when its leading players struggle.
Williams scored eight points in overtime during the close-out win over Las Vegas, illustrating how contributions across the roster could prove decisive in a series that may stretch to seven games.
Here is the complete 2026 WNBA Finals schedule, including the dates, tip-off times and television coverage provided for each game:
Game 1, Saturday, October 17: Atlanta Dream at Golden State Valkyries — 15:30 ET/12:30 PT on NBC
Game 2, Monday, October 19: Dream at Valkyries — 20:00 ET/17:00 PT on USA Network/CNBC
Game 3, Thursday, October 22: Valkyries at Dream — 20:00 ET/17:00 PT on USA Network/CNBC
Game 4, Saturday, October 24: Valkyries at Dream — 15:30 ET/12:30 PT on NBC
Game 5, Monday, October 26: Dream at Valkyries — 20:00 ET/17:00 PT on USA Network/CNBC (if necessary)
Game 6, Thursday, October 29: Valkyries at Dream — 20:00 ET/17:00 PT on USA Network/CNBC (if necessary)
Game 7, Saturday, October 31: Dream at Valkyries — 20:00 ET/17:00 PT on USA Network/CNBC (if necessary)