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The 2026 WNBA may not feature any of the name-brand franchises, but it is still full of interesting storylines.
The Atlanta Dream return to the Finals with a perfect 5-0 record in the playoffs, having taken down the Washington Mystics in two games and the New York Liberty in three games. While this will be the Dream's WNBA Finals, the previous three appearances all came between 2010 and 2013 and resulted in losses.
Atlanta's most recognizable player is Angel Reese, who made a sizable impact in her first season with the team by anchoring the Dream's defense. Reese is joined by Rhyne Howard and Alisha Gray to form a fearsome trio on both sides of the ball, making it no surprise that Atlanta is one of the last teams remaining.
MORE: Watch Game of the WNBA Finals live with Fubo (free trial)
However, the Dream will have to go through the Golden State Valkyries, who have produced a remarkable story of their own. In just their second season of existence, the Valkyries won 32 games to earn the No. 2 seed, then dispatched the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces in the postseason to make their first-ever WNBA Finals appearance.
Golden State's headline player is Gabby Williams, who has averaged an impressive 22.7 points per game in the playoffs so far. Along with Williams, the Valkyries will send out a strong defensive group with Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes leading the charge.
The Valkyries will have home-court advantage in this series, which could be key as the series unfolds. One way or another, the WNBA is getting a first-time champion this season.
The Sporting News is tracking live scores, updates and highlights from Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals between the Valkyries and Dream. Follow along for full updates from San Francisco.
MORE: Inside Angel Reese's championship history
Dream vs. Valkyries live score
Dream vs. Valkyries updates, highlights from WNBA Finals Game 1 of 2026 playoffs
*This section will be updated*
Angel Reese stats today
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MORE: Why Angel Reese deserved WNBA DPOY over A'ja Wilson
Where to watch Dream vs. Valkyries Game 1
Dream vs. Valkyries start time
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 17
- Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Dream and Valkyries will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET, 12:30 p.m. local time from the Chase Center in San Francisco, California. It will be the first-ever WNBA Finals game in Valkyries history.
What channel is Dream vs. Valkyries on today?
- TV Channel: NBC
- Live Stream: Fubo, Peacock
NBC will be broadcasting Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, one of the two games in the series that will be on the main network. Zora Stephenson and Sarah Kustok are set to call every game of the WNBA Finals along with sideline reporter Ashley ShahAhmadi.
Fans looking for an alternate streaming option can find the game on Fubo, which offers a free trial for new users, or Peacock.
WNBA Finals schedule
Here is a look at the full schedule for the 2026 WNBA Finals.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
| 10/17 | Game 1: Valkyries vs. Dream | 3:30 p.m. | NBC |
| 10/19 | Game 2: Valkyries vs. Dream | 8:00 p.m. | USA Network, CNBC |
| 10/21 | Game 3: Dream vs. Valkyries | 8:00 p.m. | USA Network, CNBC |
| 10/24 | Game 4: Dream vs. Valkyries | 1:00 p.m. | NBC |
| 10/26 | Game 5: Valkyries vs. Dream* | 8:00 p.m. | USA Network, CNBC |
| 10/29 | Game 6: Dream vs. Valkyries* | 8:00 p.m. | USA Network, CNBC |
| 10/31 | Game 7: Valkyries vs. Dream* | 8:00 p.m. | USA Network, CNBC |
*If necessary*
