Valkyries win title with low scoring

The Golden State Valkyries won the 2026 WNBA title in their second season, a first for a North American professional team. They achieved this without a single All-WNBA selection, another league first.

Gabby Williams, the Finals MVP, attributed the victory to the team's culture. "All it took was good people. That's it," Williams said. "We built a beautiful culture here."

The team's path to the title was unconventional. Golden State entered the playoffs with a 10-7 record near midseason and a 3-6 mark against eventual playoff teams. A three-game sweep of the Atlanta Dream over 11 days triggered a nine-game winning streak. The Valkyries finished the regular season with a 32-12 record and nearly claimed the top seed from the Minnesota Lynx.

Defense anchored the roster. Golden State posted a 99.1 defensive rating, which was more than four points per 100 possessions better than any other team. Opponents averaged just 14 restricted-area attempts and 31.1 paint points per game, both league-leading figures. Williams was a runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year to Angel Reese. She made the All-Defensive First Team, while Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes earned Second Team honors.

Offense was a distinct weakness. No player on the roster averaged 15 points per game. Williams led the team with 14.4 points per game, the second-lowest figure for any team's leading scorer. Golden State shot a league-worst 42.2 percent from the field. They attempted a league-record 30.3 three-pointers per game.

This scoring deficit nearly cost the team in the first round. Golden State trailed the Dallas Wings by 16 points in the second half of a decisive Game 3 before rallying to win. They then swept the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces despite shooting 36.4 percent. In the Finals against Atlanta, the Valkyries won the opener while shooting 32.1 percent. That mark was the third-lowest in a Finals victory. Their four wins in the series produced point totals of 68, 67, 64, and 68.

Williams defined the decisive Game 7. Golden State trailed by nine points in the second half and was stuck at 32 points late in the third quarter. Williams scored 28 of her 30 points after halftime. She tied the record for a winner-take-all Finals game and hit the go-ahead three-pointer with just over two minutes left. "[Coach Natalie Nakase] told me to stay patient. I trust her with my life," Williams said.

The front office now focuses on cap space. Golden State has only $3.2 million in guaranteed money committed for 2027. The official salary cap under the new revenue-sharing model is unclear, but it should exceed the $7 million figure from 2026. Kayla Thornton and Tiffany Hayes are unrestricted free agents. Cecilia Zandalasini is a restricted free agent, and Kaitlyn Chen is reserved.

GM Nyanin stated that trading the No. 8 draft pick for two second-rounders was intended to preserve financial flexibility. "We thought we had the opportunity to potentially sign another athlete," Nyanin said. "Something I hold near and dear to me." The 2026 free agent class includes A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Kelsey Mitchell, and Kelsey Plum.

A'ja Wilson is considered the natural fit for the roster. She is a former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the league's most efficient scorers. Young offers elite offense without defensive liability. Mitchell and Plum are dangerous scorers but defend poorly. The Valkyries also hold draft picks Nos. 14, 29, and 44 in 2027. French forward Aïnoa Risacher is a possible draft-and-stash option for a roster that already includes three French players.