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The Golden State Valkyries captured the 2026 WNBA championship in just their second year of existence, defeating the Atlanta Dream in a thrilling seven-game series. No team in North American professional sports had ever claimed a title that fast, and the Valkyries achieved the milestone without a single All-WNBA player on their roster.
Building a Championship Culture on Defense
Finals MVP Gabby Williams credited the team’s historic run to togetherness and grit. “All it took was good people. That’s it,” Williams told CBS Sports Headlines. “All we heard last year, ‘We don’t have no stars, we don’t have no talent.’ Yeah right. We got good people. We got winners.”
After exceeding expectations by reaching the playoffs in their inaugural 2025 campaign, the Valkyries made Williams their marquee offseason signing. Despite trading away their 2026 first-round pick and losing French center Iliana Rupert to maternity leave, the team endured a middling 10-7 start before exploding with a 22-5 finish.
The core of their success was a historic defense. The Valkyries recorded a league-best 99.1 defensive rating, finishing over four points per 100 possessions better than any competitor. Williams earned a spot on the All-Defensive First Team, while teammates Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes were named to the All-Defensive Second Team.
Overcoming Offensive Struggles Through Grit
While the defense excelled, the offense often struggled. The Valkyries finished seventh in offensive rating (108.2) and dead last in field-goal percentage at 42.2%, with no player averaging even 15 points per game. This scoring drought nearly eliminated them early, requiring dramatic second-half comebacks against the Dallas Wings in the first round and the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
The WNBA Finals followed a similar script. The Valkyries scored just 68, 67, 64, and 68 points in their four victories. In the decisive Game 7, they trailed by nine in the second half before Williams took over, scoring 28 of her 30 points after halftime and sinking a go-ahead 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining.
“[Coach Natalie Nakase] told me to stay patient. I trust her with my life,” Williams explained regarding the second-half turnaround. “I stayed patient. I trusted her.”
Offseason Strategy and Free Agency Outlook
Entering the offseason, the Valkyries hold significant financial flexibility. General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin previously explained that trading their 2026 draft pick was intentional to preserve future cap space. With only $3.2 million in guaranteed money committed for 2027 and the salary cap expected to rise above the previous year’s $7 million, the franchise is well-positioned to pursue a max free agent.
Top free agents on the market include Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, Kelsey Mitchell, and Kelsey Plum. Collier represents the most natural fit due to her efficient scoring and elite defensive background, while players like Mitchell and Plum offer major offensive boosts despite defensive limitations.
In addition to potential free agent acquisitions, the Valkyries hold the No. 14, No. 29, and No. 44 selections in the 2027 WNBA Draft. However, management may consider draft-and-stash options like French forward Aïnhoa Risacher, preserving the team’s current depth and strong international contingent.
