Valkyries, Dream set to open 2026 WNBA Finals

The 2026 WNBA Finals are scheduled to begin Saturday, October 17, with the Golden State Valkyries facing the Atlanta Dream in a best-of-seven series. The opener is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Chase Center in San Francisco, with the teams competing for their first championship. Golden State has reached the Finals in its second season, while Atlanta returns to the championship round for the first time since 2013. The schedule lists Game 2 for October 19 at Chase Center, followed by Games 3 and 4 in Atlanta on October 21 and 24. Games 5, 6 and 7 are scheduled for October 26, 29 and 31, respectively, but will be played only if necessary. Game 6’s venue is listed as to be determined. Golden State advanced by defeating the Dallas Wings 2-1 and then sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, according to the preview. Atlanta reached the Finals unbeaten in the playoffs after sweeps of the Washington Mystics and the defending 2025 champion New York Liberty. The teams’ regular-season results offer a contrast: Golden State won all three meetings, with their most recent matchup on July 4. The preview identifies the teams’ differing strengths as a potential factor in the series, including...