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A first-time WNBA champion awaits as the Valkyries and Dream open the Finals

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Published 17 Oct 2026, 11:00 BST1 min read

File photograph: An indoor basketball court and empty bleachers in Puerto Rico. Lesli Whitecotton / Unsplash. Illustrative context, not a photograph of this reported event.

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The WNBA will crown a first-time champion with the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream playing for the title in the best-of-seven series that starts Saturday. Golden State is looking to become the fastest expansion team in league history to win a championship as the Valkyries are only in their second year. Atlanta reached the Finals for the first time since 2013 and after losing in its previous three appearances in the championship round, will be trying for their first as well.

Offense will be at a premium as the series features two of the best defensive teams in the league led by coaches Karl Smesko and Natalie Nakase.

Read the original report at Apnews.

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Sources and context

Apnews

Source headline and summary supplied via NewsData.io. First collected by NewsJaws on 2026-10-18. This is an automated news brief, not original NewsJaws reporting. Dates reflect the source publication. Feed delays may apply.