The Golden State Valkyries captured the 2026 WNBA championship in just their second season, becoming the fastest expansion team to win a title in North American professional sports history. Remarkably, they achieved this without a single All-WNBA selection, a first in league history. Finals MVP Gabby Williams emphasized the team's culture: "All it took was good people. That's it."
Historic Championship Run
After a middling 10-7 start, the Valkyries rattled off a nine-game winning streak, including three victories over the Atlanta Dream in 11 days, to finish 32-12 and secure the No. 2 seed. They then overcame double-digit deficits in three playoff series, culminating in a Game 7 Finals win where Williams scored 28 of her 30 points in the second half, tying the record for most points in a winner-take-all Finals game.
Defensive Dominance
The Valkyries posted a league-best 99.1 defensive rating, more than four points per 100 possessions better than any other team. They led the league in opponent turnover rate (19.2%), opponent true shooting (53.5%), restricted-area attempts allowed (14 per game), and points in the paint allowed (31.1). Williams, Veronica Burton, and Kiah Stokes earned All-Defensive honors, and the team's versatile wing rotation sustained intensity throughout the season.
Offensive Struggles
Despite their defensive brilliance, the Valkyries' offense ranked seventh in offensive rating (108.2) and last in field-goal percentage (42.2%). No player averaged 15 points per game; Williams led the team with 14.4. They launched a league-record 30.3 three-point attempts per game but lacked consistent interior scoring and free-throw generation, nearly costing them in the playoffs.
Offseason Outlook
General manager Ohemaa Nyanin preserved salary-cap flexibility by trading the No. 8 draft pick (Flau'jae Johnson) for two second-rounders. The Valkyries enter the 2027 offseason with only $3.2 million in guaranteed contracts and a projected cap above $7 million, positioning them to pursue a max free agent without dismantling their core.
Free Agency Targets
Top available players include Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, Kelsey Mitchell, and Kelsey Plum. Collier, a former Defensive Player of the Year, would bolster both ends of the floor. Young offers elite offense with adequate defense, while Mitchell and Plum are offensive standouts but defensive liabilities. The team's championship culture and passionate fan base could attract stars, though some may hesitate to join the reigning champions.
Draft Considerations
The Valkyries hold picks 14, 29, and 44 in the 2027 WNBA Draft. Given their draft-and-stash approach last year, they may consider a player like French forward Aïnhoa Risacher, a defense-minded prospect who would not disrupt current operations. The roster already includes three French players, adding familiarity.
