The stage is set for a 2026 WNBA Finals showdown as Game 1 tips off between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday, Oct. 17 as both teams are vying for their first-ever WNBA championship.
For the Atlanta Dream, this marks a chance at redemption after four previous Finals appearances ended in heartbreak. Meanwhile, the Valkyries, who joined the league as an expansion franchise in 2023 and completed their inaugural season in 2025, are making a remarkable run at the title in just their second season.
Beyond the glory of hoisting the trophy, there are significant financial rewards at stake for the players who bring home the title. Each player on the winning team’s playoff roster will pocket a $60,000 bonus for their championship
triumph. The stakes are even higher for individual excellence: the Finals MVP will receive an additional $30,000 in recognition of their pivotal role in securing the championship.
Even for the team that comes up just short, there’s still a worthwhile consolation. Every player on the runner-up’s playoff roster will earn a $20,000 bonus in recognition of their journey to the Finals and the effort they put forth throughout the postseason.
2026 WNBA Finals schedule
The WNBA Finals are scheduled to begin on Saturday, Oct. 17. Here is the full schedule for all seven games, including game times.
- Game 1: Saturday, Oct. 17, Atlanta at Golden State, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
- Game 2: Monday, Oct. 19, Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m. ET, USA/Peacock/CNBC
- Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 21, Golden State at Atlanta, 8 p.m. ET, USA/Peacock/CNBC
- Game 4: Saturday, Oct. 24, Golden State at Atlanta, 1 p.m. ET, NBC/Peacock
- Game 5*: Monday, Oct. 26, Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m. ET, USA/Peacock/CNBC
- Game 6*: Thursday, Oct. 29, Golden State at Atlanta, 8 p.m. ET, USA/Peacock/CNBC
- Game 7*: Saturday, Oct. 31, Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m. ET, USA/Peacock/CNBC
- * if necessary
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Players on 2026 WNBA Finals winner will each receive $60k bonus
