Valkyries or Dream players will each get $60,000 for the 2026 WNBA title, up from $22,908
Each eligible player on the 2026 WNBA champion gets a $60,000 bonus, up from $22,908 in 2025. The runner-up gets $20,000 each and the Finals MVP gets $30,000, up from $5,000.
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Gabby Williams scores 8 of the last 9 as Valkyries beat Dream 68-64 in Finals Game 1
The Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 68-64 in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday at Chase Center, and they did it by holding Atlanta scoreless for the final 3:12.
Goapele, Rita Moreno and Larry June set for Valkyries' Finals Game 1; Alanis Morissette sings before Game 2
Who performs at Valkyries vs. Dream WNBA Finals Games 1 and 2 at Chase Center: Goapele, Rita Moreno, Larry June, Alanis Morissette, Too $hort and LaRussell.
WNBA Finals open Saturday at 12:30 PM PT with the Valkyries hosting the Dream in Game 1
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals is Saturday, Oct. 17, at 12:30 PM PT at Chase Center. Full schedule, how both teams swept the semifinals, Allisha Gray’s status and Finals attendance context.
WNBA Finals attendance by year, record and history (2002–2026)
WNBA Finals attendance by year since 2002. The record is 92,599 fans at the 2024 Finals, or 18,520 per game, the highest series total since 2002. Search by game or series, with sources and a record calculator.
How the Valkyries’ league-best defense takes away the next option, not just the first
Golden State led the WNBA with a 99.1 defensive rating. Film of Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart possessions shows the help, recovery and box-outs behind it.
Liberty lost the turnover battle by 18 in the sweep. Here are 5 moves I'd make as GM
Atlanta swept the Liberty while shooting 42.0% to New York's 47.1%. The gap was 18 turnovers. Five offseason moves I would make.
WNBA Finals arrive after 51 games topped 1 million viewers
Atlanta faces Golden State in the 2026 WNBA Finals after 51 regular-season games topped 1 million viewers. See the numbers, our audience estimate and the TV schedule.
WNBA Finals Game 1 preview: Atlanta’s +19 pressure meets Golden State’s +23 rebounding
The Dream and Valkyries open the WNBA Finals on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 12:30 PM PT. Updated Oct. 15, 2026.
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