For the first time since 2022, the WNBA will crown a first-time champion upon the conclusion of the Finals.<\/p>\n
The Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries get the best-of-seven championship series started on Friday night inside the Valkyries’ raucous Chase Center, which will give Golden State a chance to take immediate control of the series.<\/p>\n
The Ballhalla factor — along with the Valkyries’ impressive depth — has been cited as a key reason why Golden State will win the 2026 WNBA Finals, according to three of ESPN<\/a>‘s four experts.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0Dream or Valkyries? WNBA Finals will crown a first-time champion<\/a><\/p>\n ESPN’s Kendra Andrews, Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel all have picked the Valkyries to beat the Dream in what may be a long, grueling series.<\/p>\n Andrews and Voepel believe Golden State will need the full seven games to win the championship, while Philippou predicts the series will end in six games.<\/p>\n “(The Dream and the Valkyries) really do look like the best two teams after five months of physically and mentally grueling play. Both have played championship-worthy basketball in the postseason. Both coaches have been impressive in their preparation and adjustments,” Voepel wrote to explain his choice. “This pick is for two things that go Golden State’s way: depth and home-court advantage for the series.”<\/p>\n On NBC’s WNBA Finals media call. Cheryl Miller with a prediction: “There will be no sweeps.”<\/p>\n \u2014 Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) October 14, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n