The 2026 WNBA Finals matchup is set, with the Golden State Valkyries taking on the Atlanta Dream for the league championship. Both teams advanced after sweeping their opponents in the semifinals, setting up a historic best-of-seven championship series.
The 2026 WNBA Finals begin Saturday, October 17, with Game 1 scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Neither franchise has previously won a WNBA championship, meaning the series will crown a first-time champion.
Which Teams Are Playing in the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The 2026 WNBA Finals feature:
- Golden State Valkyries: No. 2 seed
- Atlanta Dream: No. 4 seed
- Series Format: Best-of-seven
- Game 1 Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Game 1 Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Streaming: Peacock
Golden State will host Game 1 at Chase Center in San Francisco.
How Did the Golden State Valkyries Reach the WNBA Finals?
The Golden State Valkyries secured their spot in the 2026 WNBA Finals by sweeping the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
Golden State completed the 3-0 series victory on Friday, October 9, defeating Las Vegas 87-77 in overtime in Game 3.
The victory sends the Valkyries to the WNBA Finals with an opportunity to capture the franchise’s first championship.
How Did the Atlanta Dream Reach the WNBA Finals?
The Atlanta Dream advanced to the championship series after sweeping the New York Liberty in the semifinals.
Atlanta completed its 3-0 series victory on Friday, October 9, with an 85-83 win in Game 3.
The Dream now have an opportunity to win their first WNBA title after previously reaching the Finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013.
When Do the 2026 WNBA Finals Start?
The 2026 WNBA Finals are scheduled to begin on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with the Golden State Valkyries hosting the Atlanta Dream.
Game 1 is scheduled to tip off at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
The championship series will follow a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games will be crowned the 2026 WNBA champion.
Where to Watch the 2026 WNBA Finals
Basketball fans can watch Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals on NBC, with live streaming available through Peacock.
Game 1 viewing information:
- Matchup: Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries
- Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
Fans should check the official WNBA broadcast schedule for coverage information for the remaining games.
Has Golden State or Atlanta Ever Won a WNBA Championship?
Neither the Golden State Valkyries nor the Atlanta Dream has won a WNBA championship.
Atlanta has reached the WNBA Finals three previous times but has never captured the title.
Golden State, meanwhile, is looking to make franchise history by winning its first championship.
Regardless of which team wins the series, the 2026 WNBA Finals will produce a first-time champion.
Who Will Win the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The Golden State Valkyries enter the championship series as the higher seed and will have home-court advantage.
However, the Atlanta Dream have demonstrated their postseason strength by sweeping the New York Liberty in the semifinals.
Both teams enter the Finals following impressive playoff performances, making this an intriguing championship matchup.
The first team to win four games will claim the 2026 WNBA title.
2026 WNBA Finals Frequently Asked Questions
Who is playing in the 2026 WNBA Finals?
The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream are competing in the 2026 WNBA Finals.
When is Game 1 of the WNBA Finals?
Game 1 is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET.
What channel is the WNBA Finals on?
Game 1 will air on NBC and stream live on Peacock.
Where is Game 1 being played?
Game 1 will take place at Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
How many games are in the WNBA Finals?
The WNBA Finals use a best-of-seven format. The first team to win four games becomes the WNBA champion.
Has the Atlanta Dream won a WNBA championship?
No. Atlanta has previously appeared in three WNBA Finals but has never won the championship.
Have the Golden State Valkyries won a WNBA championship?
No. Golden State is pursuing its first WNBA title.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 WNBA Finals will feature the Golden State Valkyries against the Atlanta Dream in a championship matchup that guarantees a first-time winner.
With both teams coming off semifinal sweeps, the series promises an exciting conclusion to the 2026 WNBA season.
Game 1 tips off Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.