Golden State Valkyries prove what happens when you invest in women

Golden State Valkyries prove what happens when you invest in women.

Key points

• Callie Fin breaks down the Golden State Valkyries' historic WNBA championship victory, capped by the league's first-ever Finals Game 7.
• SAN FRANCISCO ― The Golden State Valkyries' WNBA title win is a reminder: Invest in women.
• Golden State took her lead as she quietly yet boldly chipped away at the Dream's lead and infused energy into the Valkyries, sending the Bay faithful.
• "This is just what happens when you invest in women's sports, " Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes remarked during postgame celebrations.
• In a heroic effort, Williams finished with 30 points, three rebounds and four blocks, earning a Finals MVP award.

Golden State Valkyries prove what happens when you invest in women. Meghan L. Hall USA TODAY. Valkyries complete historic season with first WNBA championship.

Before Golden State ever arrived in the WNBA, it had a vision for what it wanted to be: a premier franchise with an unmatched desire for greatness. On Oct. 5, 2023, owner Joseph Lacob declared the Valkyries would win a championship within the first five years of the team's existence, a lofty goal. Still, neither Lacob nor the organization ever wavered in their pursuit.

Notably, the Valkyries actually did it in two, winning the title with a 68-63 victory over the Atlanta Dream in the first Game 7 in WNBA Finals history on Saturday, Oct. 31 at the Chase Center.

"This is just what happens when you invest in women's sports, " Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes remarked during postgame celebrations. "We here. We're here. We ain't going nowhere. Invest in women's sports, baby. Let's go!"

"We are having so much fun, but there is no give, " Valkyries president Jess Smith remarked during the team's first season. "There is no 'All right, we did it.' We're like, 'We want more.' It's insatiable at all times. We've kind of compiled this group of individuals who love to win."

For context, the Valkyries prioritized bringing individuals and players on board who like focusing on achieving goals and being aligned on a simple mission: If they are successful, it means the WNBA benefits, and so do future expansion franchises. Golden State's victories and expansion sow the seeds for other investment opportunities. It began with Smith, the franchise's first employee, and trickled down to Ohemaa Nyanin, the team's general manager. This person then hired head coach Natalie Nakase, who won two championships with Las Vegas against the backdrop of more than 15 years in pro basketball.

With a blank canvas, the trio crafted a roster over two seasons that supported the Valkyries become the first expansion franchise to produce the postseason in its first year of existence, and to obtain to the WNBA Finals faster than any other team in league history. What began as a talented roster with no true standout star or a definitive leader to build around, evolved into a roster with multiple stars and leaders, highlighted by two-way stalwart Gabby Williams, whom Golden State signed after the 2025 season.

"I wouldn't change a thing. You know, I may have done things the hard way, took my own route, but I loved it. It built character, " Williams remarked of her journey. "It built me to the person I am, and it landed me here. It landed me with the best group of individuals I've ever been around."

With a championship on the line, Williams answered the call in the third quarter, almost willing the Valkyries to victory herself. The Valkyries guard had a superstar moment, taking over with 15 massive points as Golden State dug in defensively to slow down Atlanta. She finished with 30, scoring 28 in the second half – a WNBA Finals record.

Golden State took her lead as she quietly yet boldly chipped away at the Dream's lead and infused energy into the Valkyries, sending the Bay faithful. This person have filled "Ballhalla" numerous times, into euphoria. Williams' leadership translated to the defensive end as well. Golden State dialed up the defensive pressure it applied to torment opponents all season and unraveled Atlanta when it mattered most.

With chants of "MVP! MVP!" raining down as Williams sank two free throws late, the crowd serenaded the Bay Area native. This person returned home this season. When Williams cashed a triple with just over two minutes remaining, Chase Center was joyous as she chest-bumped her way to the bench. As the time ran down, the crowd followed up with "Gabby! Gabby! Gabby!" between more MVP chants.

Kiah Stokes finished what Williams began with a gritty putback bucket with just over 50 seconds remaining, the finishing touch on the title Golden State had worked so hard for. In a heroic effort, Williams finished with 30 points, three rebounds and four blocks, earning a Finals MVP award. "I wasn't gonna lose on Halloween, " Williams remarked, laughing.

"No, but honestly, it's, I mean, everyone here, not just the players, but the staff, the community, the city ― The Bay ― y'all have been pouring into me all season. This is a long season, and y'all offer me energy every single night. Tonight, if we were down, I had a shot; I felt like we were up 20. I mean, this is the most quiet ("Ballhalla") have ever been. But it's straightforward when the energy is just good and positive. It was so straightforward to come to work every single day, and that's what I came for."

Notably, the Valkyries finished the job, proving Lacob right: when you invest in women, anything is feasible. All it takes is a little belief, and the rest takes care of itself.

"It's the love. We have unconditional love that's (expletive) unbreakable. A nd this is for all the individuals that have been underrated, misunderstood, " Nakase stated. "This is for all y'all because these are proof that if you put all your heart and all your soul, you (expletive) win championships." Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, golden State Valkyries prove what happens when you invest in women remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.