Atlanta Dream v Golden State Valkyries: WNBA finals 2026 Game 1 – live buildup

• Valkyries host Dream in opener of best-of-seven series

• Game 1 tipoff scheduled for 3.30pm ET (8.30pm BST)

• Guardian writers’ predictions: Golden State or Atlanta?

• Reach out to Bryan on Bluesky or by email

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Game 1 of the WNBA finals, where the Golden State Valkyries host the Atlanta Dream in a matchup that few people saw coming. The Valkyries, in only their second year of existence, host a Dream outfit making their first finals appearance in 13 years. Whatever happens over the next two weeks, the WNBA is guaranteed a first-time champion.

After becoming the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in their inaugural campaign, Natalie Nakase’s Golden State have taken another enormous leap, finishing 32-12 before ousting the Dallas in the opening round before sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas in the semi-finals. Atlanta’s journey has been lengthier, but no less compelling. The Dream have reached the finals for the first time since 2013, having lost all three of their previous appearances in the championship round. Under second-year coach Karl Smesko, they have transformed into a defensive powerhouse, sweeping Washington and New York to reach this stage unbeaten in the postseason. Angel Reese, acquired from Chicago before the season, has been a revelation, winning defensive player of the year honors while averaging 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds in the playoffs.

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