The Golden State Valkyries have defied the odds at every turn.
In their first season, they broke records by selling out every home game and posting a WNBA-high attendance total. The Valkyries also reached the playoffs in that opening year, the first expansion team to do so.
Somehow, their second season was even grander.
Golden State dominated the league, posting the best defense in the regular season and earning the No. 2 seed. They took that momentum and proved they had no rival in 2026, beating the Atlanta
Dream in seven games in the WNBA Finals to win their first title.
Accomplishing this so quickly is absurd.
And while this might be shocking for many fans, it is not for their owner, Joe Lacob. He set the timeline for the Valkyries to win it all at five years. They did it in less than half that time.
Here what Lacob declared when the Valkyries were introduced just over three years ago:
First press conference with the Warriors, I said we will win a championship in the first five years. And I’m telling you right now, we will win a WNBA championship in the first five years of this franchise.
So, let’s take a look at what went right for Golden State, allowing them to achieve Lacob’s ambitious dream, as well as what, if anything, went wrong and what might be next.
What went right for Golden State?
There are plenty of great stories surrounding the Valkyries, but none better than Gabby Williams.
Playing for three teams in eight years, Williams hadn’t found a place where she could permanently hone her skills. If she desires, Golden State can be her forever home.
Williams had a career year for the Valkyries. She averaged 14.4 points and shot 34.2 percent from 3-point range. Add in her defensive versatility and 1.6 steals per game, and it’s no wonder she was an All-Star, made the All-Defense Team and even garnered some MVP votes.
When the Valkyries needed her most, she delivered. In Game 7, Williams scored 30 points, securing the win and winning Finals MVP.
What went wrong for Golden State?
When you win, who cares what went wrong? The goal is to win it all, and when you do, you can take any criticism; the counterargument is the ring.
Still, basketball never stops, and next year will be here before you know it.
One area the Valkyries can improve is their offense. They were an elite defense, but with an offensive rating of 108.2, they were middle of the pack in scoring. Yes, they won it all, but it was also as close as can be.
They need more scoring. That can come from either development from within, the draft or via free agency.
Luckily, Golden State now has a heck of a pitch.
They are defending champions who can sell dreams of a ring, the chance to be an offensive engine and life in Northern California. That will appeal to plenty of players.
What’s next for Golden State?
Golden State now faces the challenge of balancing running it back with a group that won it all while also figuring out what they need to win it all again.
The Valkyries have Williams, Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton locked up, so they don’t have to worry about those key pieces departing. This should allow them to be aggressive and focus on the margins this offseason.
Head coach Natalie Nakase was in a celebratory mood after the Finals, but she’s ready for more.
Given how these two years have gone, nothing is off the table for Golden State.
They have an active owner, great front office, smart coaching staff and core players under contract, making the prospect of the Valkyries being the next, great WNBA dynasty a real possibility—and perhaps even an inevitability.
