The Golden State Valkyries are champions after a 68-63 Game 7 win over the Atlanta Dream on Saturday night. Now comes the hardest part: staying on top. Here’s what looms over the WNBA offseason 2026 for the champs and the runners-up.
Golden State Valkyries (Credits: TSN / AP)
Golden State Valkyries Offseason: Can They Repeat?
Golden State’s rise was built on shrewd free agency, not draft luck. Expansion teams aren’t guaranteed a top pick, so the Valkyries loaded up on veterans: Gabby Williams (Finals MVP) and Kiah Stokes, who arrived on a two-year, $761,250 deal in April 2026. The core that produced the league’s top defense in 2026 is largely intact, and coach Natalie Nakase delivered on owner Joe Lacob’s five-year title promise in just two. The question is whether the front office can add scoring depth — the Valkyries scored between just 64 and 71 points in all seven Finals games — without breaking up the league’s best defense. Lithuanian guard Justė Jocytė, the franchise’s first draft pick, remains a wildcard for the rotation.
Atlanta Dream Offseason: Ending 19 Years Without a Title
The Dream’s wait goes on. Atlanta has now lost four Finals (2010, 2011, 2013, 2026) and has no championship in 19 seasons since joining the league in 2008. In Game 7, they held Golden State to 68 but couldn’t score enough themselves — falling under 70 points for the fourth time in the series and losing all four of those games. Jordin Canada (13 first-half points in Game 7) and Rhyne Howard led the offense while Angel Reese pulled down 12 rebounds, but the Dream need more consistent scoring around them. Brionna Jones was sidelined, and her health is the offseason’s biggest question mark. Coach Karl Smesko‘s defensive identity is set — the offense is where the rebuild begins.
The 2027 draft and free agency will decide whether Atlanta can close the gap or whether Golden State is the start of a dynasty. With two expansion franchises now champions in year two, the rest of the league is officially on notice.
Also Read: Way-Too-Early 2027 WNBA Power Rankings: Valkyries Start on Top, Atlanta Dream Beat Valkyries 80-69 to Force First Ever WNBA Finals Game 7
Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
