The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries meet today, Monday, October 26, in Game 5 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, with the best-of-seven championship series tied 2-2.
Both teams are looking to move one victory away from capturing their first WNBA championship. Although neither team can clinch the title tonight, Game 5 could significantly impact the remainder of the championship series.
Here’s what happens if the Atlanta Dream win, tie or lose against the Golden State Valkyries in Game 5.
What Happens If the Atlanta Dream Win Game 5?
If the Atlanta Dream defeat the Golden State Valkyries, Atlanta will take a 3-2 lead in the 2026 WNBA Finals.
A victory would put the Dream just one win away from winning their first WNBA championship.
Atlanta would have two opportunities to clinch the title:
- Game 6: Thursday, October 29, in Atlanta.
- Game 7: Saturday, October 31, in San Francisco, if necessary.
Winning Game 5 would give Atlanta an opportunity to secure the championship at home in Game 6.
What Happens If the Atlanta Dream Tie the Valkyries in Game 5?
A tie is not possible in the WNBA Finals because WNBA games cannot end in a draw.
If Atlanta and Golden State are tied at the end of regulation, the game will go into overtime.
Each overtime period lasts five minutes. If the teams remain tied after the first overtime, additional five-minute periods will be played until a winner is determined.
Therefore, Game 5 will produce a winner, and either Atlanta or Golden State will take a 3-2 series lead.
What Happens If the Atlanta Dream Lose Game 5?
If the Golden State Valkyries defeat the Atlanta Dream, Golden State will take a 3-2 lead in the championship series.
Atlanta would then face elimination in Game 6.
To capture the 2026 WNBA championship after losing Game 5, the Dream would need to:
- Defeat Golden State in Game 6 on October 29.
- Force a decisive Game 7 on October 31.
- Win Game 7 in San Francisco to capture their first championship.
A Game 5 loss would not eliminate Atlanta, but it would leave the Dream needing two consecutive victories.
Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries: 2026 WNBA Finals Results
The championship series enters Game 5 tied at two games apiece.
| Game | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Game 1 | October 17 | Valkyries won 68-64 |
| Game 2 | October 19 | Dream won 79-65 |
| Game 3 | October 21 | Dream won 97-71 |
| Game 4 | October 24 | Valkyries won 67-62 |
| Game 5 | October 26 | Upcoming |
| Game 6 | October 29 | Upcoming |
| Game 7 | October 31 | If necessary |
Atlanta won Games 2 and 3 to take control of the series before Golden State responded with a Game 4 victory.
When Is Dream vs. Valkyries Game 5?
Game 5 of the 2026 WNBA Finals is scheduled for Monday, October 26.
Game details:
- Matchup: Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries
- Date: Monday, October 26, 2026
- Time: 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT
- Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, California
- Series: Tied 2-2
- TV Channel: USA Network
- Streaming: Peacock
How Many Games Do the Atlanta Dream Need to Win the WNBA Finals?
The WNBA Finals follow a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games becomes the champion.
With the series tied 2-2, Atlanta needs two more victories to win its first championship.
If the Dream win Game 5, they will need only one additional victory.
If Atlanta loses Game 5, the team must win both Game 6 and Game 7 to capture the title.
Can the Atlanta Dream Win the WNBA Championship Tonight?
No. The Atlanta Dream cannot clinch the 2026 WNBA championship in Game 5 because the series is currently tied 2-2.
Even with a victory tonight, Atlanta would have only three series wins.
The earliest the Dream could win the championship is Thursday, October 29, in Game 6.
What Is at Stake for Atlanta in Game 5?
Game 5 is an important opportunity for Atlanta to regain control of the championship series.
A victory would put the Dream one win away from their first WNBA title and give them a chance to celebrate a championship in front of their home fans in Game 6.
However, a loss would put Atlanta on the brink of elimination and require the Dream to win two consecutive games, including a potential Game 7 on the road.
The bottom line: If the Atlanta Dream win Game 5, they take a 3-2 series lead. If they lose, Golden State leads 3-2. A tie is impossible because WNBA games continue into overtime until a winner is determined.