On Halloween, the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-63 in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals at Chase Center in Boohalla. It was the first Game 7 in league history, and the first championship for Golden State in just their second season! Finals MVP Gabby Williams scored 30 points, with a record-breaking 28 in the second half.
When Joe Lacob bought the expansion franchise back in October 2023, he said it plainly: the Valkyries would win a championship within their first five years. Two seasons in, and they did it, the fastest WNBA expansion team to win a title.
I grew up going to WNBA games when the stands were sparse and resources were slim, but we were there because we loved the game. Now women’s basketball is finally having its moment… games are selling out, we’re breaking viewership records, and the arenas are so loud you can’t even hear the whistle. When the Valkyries were announced, becoming a season ticket holder was a no-brainer. I had to be part of what was to come, and now we’re WNBA Champs! Seeing where women’s basketball is now is still hard to put into words… it’s inspiring, it’s vindicating, it’s healing… Tip said it best: “This is what happens when you invest in women’s sports.”
For two seasons, people counted this team out. They said the Valkyries lacked top-tier talent, and that their roster was built from other teams’ dispensable players. Golden State never chased “stars” (though Gabby Williams has been one of the best players in the league for a long time). They prioritized character, built a winning culture, and now they’re WNBA Champions.
Congratulations to Coach Natalie, the staff, the players, and all of Ballhalla. Go Valks!
