Inside the Golden State Valkyries: The Dream’s Unlikely WNBA Finals Opponent

It’s a story that looks straight out of a sports movie: the Atlanta Dream, finally back in the championship round after a 13‑year drought, will face a franchise that’s barely out of its teenage years. The Golden State Valkyries earned their first trip to the WNBA Finals in just their second season, and the league can’t stop buzzing about it.

1. A brand‑new team with a fast‑track pedigree. The Valkyries entered the league as an expansion squad in 2025. In their rookie year they posted a modest 23‑21 record, stumbled in the first round against the Minnesota Lynx and went home. This season they flipped the script, winning a three‑game sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces to lock up a spot in the finals.

2. From underdogs to title contenders. No one expected a team that barely existed a year ago to be knocking on the championship door. Yet the Valkyries knocked out the last two reigning champions – the Aces and, before that, the Dallas Wings – on their way to San Francisco. It’s a reminder that in the WNBA, any team can get hot at the right moment.

3. A roster that blends experience with fresh talent. The most talked‑about name is forward Gabby Williams. A two‑time All‑Star who spent four seasons with the Seattle Storm, Williams now leads Golden State with 14.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Next up is Janelle Salaün, the league’s Sixth Player of the Year, averaging 12.7 points and shooting 39% from beyond the arc. And don’t overlook guard Megan Burton, the third pick in the 2025 expansion draft, who logged 12.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and a solid 35.5% three‑point clip.

4. Coaching chops that have paid off. Head coach Nat Kelley (yes, that’s the name) took over the Valkyries after serving as an assistant with the Seattle Storm. In his first full season he steered a young club through a brutal schedule, tweaking line‑ups on the fly and earning the respect of his players. The result? A team that plays with confidence, discipline, and a pinch of daring – exactly what you need in a seven‑game series.

5. A vibe that mixes grit with optimism. Walk into the Chase Center and you’ll hear a mix of fan chants and nervous laughter. The Valkyries’ fans are still learning the chants, the players are still figuring out the city’s rhythm, and everyone seems to be enjoying the ride. It’s not polished, it’s not rehearsed, but it feels real – and that’s what makes the upcoming finals feel extra special.

All this sets the stage for a clash of two very different stories: the Dream’s return to glory versus the Valkyries’ rapid rise. Whether you’re cheering for Atlanta’s long‑awaited redemption or rooting for Golden State’s Cinderella run, the series promises drama, hot‑handed shooting and moments that will linger in WNBA lore for years.