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2026 WNBA Finals Preview: How To Watch Valkyries vs. Dream With Sling TV
The WNBA will crown a first-time champion as the Golden State Valkyries take on the Atlanta Dream in the 2026 WNBA Finals. Here's a preview and how to watch with Sling TV.
A first-time WNBA champion is about to be crowned. The No. 2 seed Golden State Valkyries and No. 4 Atlanta Dream will meet in the 2026 WNBA Finals, with Game 1 tipping off Saturday, Oct. 17. Both franchises are chasing their first title, but they took very different roads to get here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eivRrWIs6A
Golden State’s run is downright remarkable. In just their second season as a franchise, the Valkyries have reached the WNBA Finals after sweeping the Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. Atlanta punched its ticket with a sweep of the New York Liberty, sending the Dream back to the Finals for the first time since 2013. Now one of them is four wins away from making franchise history.
Here’s a preview of the 2026 WNBA Finals, including both teams, players to watch, the complete schedule and how to watch every game with Sling.
How to Watch the 2026 WNBA Finals with Sling
The 2026 WNBA Finals will air on NBC and USA Network, both available with Sling. Watch the full series with a monthly subscription to Sling Blue or Sling Orange & Blue.
What is the WNBA Finals Schedule?
The WNBA Finals begin on Saturday, Oct 17. Here is the full 7-game schedule:
Oct 17: WNBA Finals Game 1 – Atlanta at Golden State, 3:30PM ET | NBC
Oct 19: WNBA Finals Game 2 – Atlanta at Golden State, 8PM ET | USA Network
Oct 21: WNBA Finals Game 3 – Golden State at Atlanta, 8PM ET | USA Network
Oct 24: WNBA Finals Game 4 – Golden State at Atlanta, 1PM ET | NBC
Oct 26: WNBA Finals Game 5* – Atlanta at Golden State, 8PM ET | USA Network
Oct 29: WNBA Finals Game 6* – Golden State at Atlanta, 8PM ET | USA Network
Oct 31: WNBA Finals Game 7* – Atlanta at Golden State, 8 PM ET | USA Network
*If necessary.
Golden State Valkyries Preview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qiu1B28f02Q
The Golden State Valkyries aren't wasting any time making WNBA history. In just their second season, the expansion franchise has reached its first WNBA Finals, becoming the fastest expansion team in league history to accomplish the feat. After finishing 32-12 and earning the No. 2 seed, Golden State survived a three-game opening-round series against the Dallas Wings before pulling off a stunning sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals.
Head coach Natalie Nakase has built the Valkyries around suffocating defense, depth and a roster that plays exceptionally well together. Gabby Williams and Veronica Burton lead the charge on the perimeter, while veteran center Kiah Stokes anchors the defense inside. Kayla Thornton brings experience and toughness, and Golden State gets significant contributions from its second unit, including Tiffany Hayes and Janelle Salaün. It's a balanced approach that has turned a young franchise into a legitimate championship contender almost overnight.
Golden State's calling card is defense, and the numbers back it up. The Valkyries finished the regular season allowing just 75.1 points per game, the best mark in the WNBA and a remarkable 7.6 points fewer than any other team. Their bench also led the league with 35.9 points per game, giving Nakase the luxury of keeping fresh legs on the floor. That combination proved devastating against Las Vegas, which Golden State held to just 60 points in Game 1 of the semifinals. Now the Valkyries are four wins away from completing one of the most extraordinary championship runs in WNBA history.
3 Valkyries Players to Watch
- Gabby Williams: Golden State's postseason MVP so far, Williams has elevated her game when it matters most. The All-Star forward enters the Finals averaging 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game during the playoffs. A versatile scorer and elite perimeter defender, Williams will be central to Golden State's efforts to slow down Atlanta's talented offense.
- Veronica Burton: The 2025 WNBA Most Improved Player has become the engine of Golden State's backcourt. Burton combines outstanding court vision with relentless defensive pressure, giving the Valkyries a steady hand running the offense and a disruptive presence on the other end. Her ability to control the tempo and create opportunities for teammates will be particularly important against Atlanta's aggressive defense.
- Tiffany Hayes: The veteran guard brings championship experience and a valuable scoring punch off the bench. Hayes is a key contributor to the league's highest-scoring second unit, providing instant offense, perimeter shooting and the ability to attack the basket. Against an Atlanta team loaded with offensive talent, her production could make a significant difference.
Atlanta Dream Preview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1LO-ztoiME
The Atlanta Dream are back in the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013, and this time they're hoping for a different ending. Atlanta reached the championship series three times between 2010 and 2013 but has yet to capture a title. After finishing the regular season 30-14 and earning the No. 4 seed, the Dream swept the Washington Mystics in the opening round before delivering another impressive sweep, this time against the New York Liberty. Atlanta punched its ticket to the Finals with a thrilling 85-83 Game 3 victory in Brooklyn.
Head coach Karl Smesko has assembled one of the WNBA's most talented and versatile rosters. Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray provide serious scoring firepower on the perimeter, while Jordin Canada runs the offense and creates havoc defensively. The addition of Angel Reese has transformed Atlanta's frontcourt, giving the Dream an elite rebounder and defensive presence alongside veteran Brionna Jones. And don't overlook DeWanna Bonner, whose championship experience could prove invaluable against a Golden State team making its Finals debut.
Atlanta has been one of the league's most dangerous offensive teams, averaging 91.3 points per game during the regular season, third-best in the WNBA. But the Dream can make life miserable on defense, too. Atlanta led the league in points off turnovers at 18.1 per game, using its aggressive defense to create easy scoring opportunities in transition. Reese was named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, while Howard set a new league record for three-pointers made in a season. With multiple scoring threats and a relentless defensive identity, Atlanta has the weapons to challenge Golden State's league-leading defense.
3 Dream Players to Watch
- Angel Reese: In her first season with Atlanta, Reese has established herself as one of the WNBA's most dominant forces on the glass. The 2026 Defensive Player of the Year became the first player in league history to grab 500 rebounds in a single season, while consistently producing double-doubles. She delivered 22 points and nine rebounds in the Dream's Game 3 clincher against New York. Her rebounding and interior defense will be crucial against the Valkyries.
- Rhyne Howard: One of the league's most dangerous perimeter scorers, Howard made history this season by breaking the WNBA record for three-pointers in a single season. The former No. 1 overall pick can take over games with her outside shooting, and she enters the Finals fresh off a 21-point performance in Atlanta's series-clinching victory over New York. Against Golden State's elite defense, her ability to create and convert shots from deep could be a deciding factor.
- Jordin Canada: Atlanta's veteran point guard has been outstanding throughout the postseason, combining playmaking with aggressive on-ball defense. Canada scored 25 points and recorded five steals in Game 1 against New York, then delivered 19 points and 11 assists in the series-clinching Game 3. Her ability to push the pace, distribute the ball and force turnovers will be essential against Golden State's disciplined defense.
Golden State vs. Atlanta WNBA Finals Odds
Oddsmakers are expecting a close series. The Golden State Valkyries enter the 2026 WNBA Finals as slight favorites at -125 to win the championship, with the Atlanta Dream at +105. With such a narrow gap between the two teams, Vegas sees this as essentially anyone's series.
Series Moneyline: Golden State -125 | Atlanta +105