{
  "id": 13384959,
  "title": "WNBA Finals predictions: Valkyries or Dream? Our experts make their picks",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/wnba-finals-predictions-valkyries-or-dream-our-experts-make-their",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-10T10:16:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wnba-finals-predictions-valkyries-dream-101605212.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 2026 WNBA Finals will see the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream compete in a best-of-seven series beginning on October 17. While the Valkyries, in their second season, have found success recently, the Dream have never reached the championship round before. Both teams won their semifinals matchups, with the Valkyries beating the Las Vegas Aces and the Dream sweeping the New York Liberty. Experts at The Athletic are weighing in on who they believe will emerge victorious. Annie Costabile predicts the Dream will win in seven games, citing the Valkyries' defensive prowess and the Dream's strong offense. Brian Hamilton also favors the Valkyries, noting their energy, home-court advantage, and the regular-season sweep of the Valkyries. Chantel Jennings and Marcus Thompson II both lean towards an Atlanta Dream victory, citing the team's addition of DeWanna Bonner and their roster depth. Gabby Williams, Golden State's leading scorer, is also considered a key player in any series against the Dream.",
  "summary": "A new WNBA champion will be crowned before the month is over. The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will match up for the best-of-seven finals, starting on Oct. 17. The Valkyries, in just their second season after they kick-started the WNBA’s wave of expansion, are a surprise to many but have all the makings of a title contender. The Dream, who had previously been the youngest sibling in…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Angel Reese facing punishment after reaching WNBA Finals",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/angel-reese-facing-punishment-after-reaching-wnba-finals",
        "published": "2026-10-10T03:00:12.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Valkyries prove big dreams can come true by reaching WNBA Finals in Year 2",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/valkyries-prove-big-dreams-can-come-true-by-reaching-wnba-finals-in",
        "published": "2026-10-10T07:43:22.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}