Story perspectives

Valkyries Sweep Aces, Clinch WNBA Finals Berth

By Drooid · Oct 10, 2026, 3:19 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Valkyries Clinch Finals

Golden State Valkyries swept Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime to clinch a WNBA Finals berth.
Kayla Thornton led Golden State with 18 points and nine rebounds.
The sweep gave Golden State the No. 2 seed and home-court advantage for the Finals starting Oct 17.
The victory made the Valkyries the fastest expansion franchise to reach the WNBA Finals.

Summary

Valkyries Hit $100M

Valkyries became the first women’s sports franchise to record $100 million in revenue before the Finals.
Sportico values the Valkyries at $850 million, the league’s most valuable franchise.
Sportico values the Dream at $280 million.
Atlanta Dream signed a multiyear agreement to host all home games at State Farm Arena beginning next season.
Under the new CBA champions receive $60,000 each, runners-up $20,000, up from $22,908 and $8,521.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA launched in 1997, with the Houston Comets winning the inaugural title and an NBC TV contract that gave the league national visibility. After a $75 million capital raise in 2022 and a $2.2 billion media pact in 2024, the league announced its first expansion since 2008—the Golden State Valkyries—in October 2023, set to begin play in 2025.

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Valkyries Clinch Finals

Golden State Valkyries swept Las Vegas Aces 87-77 in overtime to clinch a WNBA Finals berth.
Kayla Thornton led Golden State with 18 points and nine rebounds.
The sweep gave Golden State the No. 2 seed and home-court advantage for the Finals starting Oct 17.
The victory made the Valkyries the fastest expansion franchise to reach the WNBA Finals.

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