When are the 2026 WNBA Finals? Dates, time for every game and which teams are in the last round

The 2026 WNBA Finals are set to begin on October 17, with the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven championship series to determine this season’s champion, as both advanced after sweeping their opponents in the semifinals

Golden State will hold home-court advantage as the higher seed meaning that the Valkyries will host Games 1 and 2, along with Games 5 and 7 if the series goes the distance, under the league’s 2-2-1-1-1 format.

The opening games are scheduled for San Francisco, while Atlanta will host the second pair of contests but the exact tip-off times and dates for every game haven't yet been confirmed.

Golden State enters the Finals after making history against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces as the Valkyries completed a 3-0 semifinal sweep with an 87-77 overtime win, becoming the first expansion franchise to reach the WNBA Finals within its first two seasons.

Golden State has built its run around defense and resilience. The second seed entered the playoffs with the league’s best defense and rallied from an 11-point deficit against Las Vegas, producing a 17-0 run and holding the Aces to seven points in the third quarter.

The Valkyries also received important contributions from Gabby Williams and Kiah Stokes . Williams finished with 16 points and delivered a crucial late defensive play against five-time MVP A’ja Wilson on the way to the victory.

Dream brush Liberty aside

Atlanta also secured its place in the championship series with a sweep, defeating the New York Liberty 85-83 in Game 3 as Angel Reese led the Dream with 22 points as Atlanta reached the Finals for the first time since 2013.

Reese , who was traded from the Chicago Sky , has enjoyed a remarkable postseason debut, averaging 20.7 points and 7.7 rebounds during the three-game semifinal series to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time.

"I manifest a lot of things," Reese said. "I think it's important to speak positive into your life, positive into your team. But this is all God. I'm just so thankful and I'm blessed to be able to be in this situation.

“A lot of people wish they were here, and I'm not going to take this moment for granted. I'm here for a reason. We're all here for a reason.”

Rhyne Howard added 21 points in the decisive game, while Jordin Canada contributed 19 points and 11 assists. DeWanna Bonner finished with 13 points and 13 rebounds off the bench.

However, Atlanta ’s defensive strength and Reese ’s production give the Dream a credible opportunity to challenge for the title and with both teams arriving after dominant semifinal performances, the Finals promise a matchup.

Golden State ’s defensive consistency meets Atlanta’s momentum and whilst the Valkyries are backed at -125 by the bookmakers, the Dream cannot be counted out by any means.