Golden State Valkyries reach WNBA Finals: How second-year franchise made unprecedented run

The Valkyries, in just their second season, swept the reigning champion Aces in the semifinals Just over three years ago, on Oct. 5, 2023, the Golden State Valkyries were officially introduced as the WNBA's first expansion team in over a decade. At the introductory press conference, more than a year before the team even had any players, let alone took the court for the first time, team owner Joe Lacob made a bold proclamation. "First press conference with the Warriors, I said we will win a championship in the first five years," Lacob said. "I'm telling you right now, we will win a WNBA championship in the first five years of this franchise." After completing a sweep of the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces on Friday with a thrilling 87-77 overtime victory in Game 3 of the semifinals, the Valkyries have advanced to the WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history and are four wins away from making Lacob look like a genius.

They'll face the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals, beginning on Oct. 17. Put this in your bookmarks. @wnbagoldenstate owner Joseph Lacob vows that once play begins, they will win a championship in the first 5 years of their existence 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Xxa5limkMz The Valkyries made history in their inaugural season in 2025 when they set