SAN FRANCISCO — The WNBA Finals are finally here! Game 1 is underway as the Golden State Valkyries host the Atlanta Dream on Saturday in the best-of-seven series.
Both teams seek their first WNBA championship. Atlanta has played in three previous Finals but was swept in each appearance. Golden State, an expansion franchise in 2025, is making its first trip to the Finals in just its second season.
As the better seed, the No. 2 seed Valkyries will host Games 1, 2 and, if necessary, 5 and 7 in a 2-2-1-1-1 format. Golden State had the best home record in the regular season, going 17-5 at Chase Center. The Valkyries have won six consecutive games at home, including four playoff contests.
No. 4 seed Atlanta rides a 10-game winning streak into the Finals, having swept its first two opponents in the playoffs after winning the final five games of the regular season.
Golden State won the regular-season series 3-0, but the Valkyries and Dream haven’t played since July 4. And neither team has played since Oct. 9, when each completed its respective sweep in the WNBA semifinals.
Will Angel Reese, the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and Atlanta keep the win streak intact, or will Gabby Williams and Golden State hold home court?
ESPN is courtside at Chase Center and will provide live analysis throughout the game.
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