A first-time WNBA champion awaits as Valkyries, Dream open the Finals

The WNBA will crown its first-ever champions as the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream compete in the best-of-seven series that begins on Saturday. Golden State aims to become the fastest expansion team in league history to win a title, as they are only in their second year. The Atlanta Dream, on the other hand, are making their inaugural Finals appearance since 2013, seeking their first championship after previous losses in the championship round.

Offense will play a crucial role in this matchup, given that both teams boast elite defensive squads, overseen by coaches Karl Smesko and Natalie Nakase. ESPN will not be broadcasting the Finals, as the rights have been acquired by NBC and USA Sports. NBC will handle Game 1 on Saturday, followed by Games 4 a week later. USA Network will air Games 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, should they be necessary. Analyst Sarah Kustok will provide commentary for both networks.

Golden State leads the regular season in attendance, averaging over 18,000 fans per game. Tickets for Game 1 of the Finals were priced at just over $200, while the first Game 1 between Phoenix and Las Vegas in the previous year cost just $48 the day before the match. To secure State Farm Arena for Games 3 and 4, the Atlanta Dream had to collaborate with the WNBA and NBA to resolve previous conflicts at the venue, which typically accommodates 3,500 spectators. Now, they will play at the larger 17,000-seat State Farm Arena, the home of the Atlanta Hawks.

As of now, tickets for the two Atlanta games are available for under $100, but prices may increase closer to game time. For Angel Reese, a standout player from LSU, this is her first WNBA championship appearance. She has also represented the USA Basketball team, winning the gold medal at the 2023 women's FIBA World Cup. Reese has been performing exceptionally well in the postseason, averaging 18.0 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 1.6 steals in five games, and shooting 38.5% from beyond the 3-point line.