Valkyries close out the Dream to win first championship

WNBA Championship game news:

The Valkyries outlasted the Dream, 68-63, to take their first WNBA title.

Golden State took the title in just their second year as a franchise.

How they did that.

What's next for Atlanta after their Finals run.

Buckle up for a WNBA finish

WNBA Finals news:

Golden State is determined to avoid another slow start in game 7......they are looking at how to win tomorrow.

How the Dream and Valkyries found different paths to the Finals.

It's winner take all tomorrow evening.

WNBA team news:

The Fever have hired Sheri Sam as assistant GM.

The Houston Comets are "on a mad sprint" to return.

WNBA coach news:

Natalie Nakase's Asian American roots inspire her community on and off the court.

College team news:

Notre Dame is excited for their "life-changing" season opener in Rome.

With JuJu Watkins back, USC is eyeing its first title since 1984.

College player news:

A look at the transfers who could make an immediate impact.

How last year's Final Four collapse is motivating Sarah Strong this season.

Dream rise, force a game 7

Today's result:

The Dream quelled the Valkyries, 80-69, to force a game 7.

Atlanta got their swagger back to get a chance at a championship.

Golden State remains determined.

Game 7 should be epic.

WNBA team news:

The Houston Comets revealed their new logo.

College player news:

Can Hannah Hidalgo take Notre Dame back to the Final Four?

Will tomorrow's game see a champion crowned?

WNBA Finals news:

Strength in numbers has the Valkyries one win away from a WNBA title.

The Dream are looking to rekindle their joy in game 6......but their confidence is unshaken.

Atlanta is in unfamiliar territory chasing a title, but DeWanna Bonner is right at home.

The Dream have had "uncomfortable conversations" leading up to the game.

Tomorrow's game is a sellout.

WNBA draft lottery:

The draft lottery will be Nov. 15.

College player news:

Why Oklahoma State was the right fit for Audi Crooks.

College coach news:

Five coaches under pressure this season.

A bit of pro, a bit of college

WNBA team news:

Atlanta has to figure out Golden State's physicality.

The Dream say their concerns about finding an appropriately-sized playoff venue went unheeded.

WNBA player news:

Veronica Burton is embracing leading a team on the verge of history.

Lauren Betts is playing overseas this winter.

WNBA coach news:

Karl Smesko ripped officials for missed calls in last night's game.

Natalie Nakase's "extremist" style hit a wall in the Finals. Then she evolved.

College team news:

South Carolina is the SEC favorite, but Texas, Vanderbilt and LSU hope to crash the party.

The Big 12 sees a power shift this season.

UCLA is focused on championship habits - not results.

Inside the evolution of women's college basketball.

The plot thickens, as Golden State takes a 3-2 series lead over Atlanta

Today's result:

The Valkyries bested the Dream, 64-55, to take a 3-2 series lead.

Atlanta is on the ropes.

Tiffany Hayes continued to spark Golden State......while Kiah Stokes broke another record.

WNBA team news:

Game 6 will be played at State Farm Arena Thursday.....at 9:30 a.m. PT, 12:30 p.m. ET.

Inside the heaven that is Ballhalla.

How much are the Lynx worth? The answer is more complicated than you think.

College player news:

Hannah Hidalgo sees big things ahead for the Irish.

How Sarah Strong went from reluctant star to leader.

College coach news:

Notre Dame has hired Skylar Diggins as a special advisor to coach Niele Ivey.

Get ready, get set......

WNBA Finals news:

Game 5 will test the Valkyries winning formula from game 4.

Under-the-radar Kiah Stokes is breaking records in the Finals.

The Finals are getting personal.

Game 6 could be played at a 3,500-seat arena.

College team news:

Texas beat UCLA, 81-64, in an exhibition match today.

USC escaped with a 78-76 win over Cal today......JuJu Watkins returned to the court after a 580-day absence.

Golden State steps up to even the series

Today's result:

The Valkyries closed out the Dream, 67-62, to even the series.

Coach Natalie Nakase made adjustments, and Gabby Williams stepped up.

Angel Reese blames herself.

WNBA player news:

The league announced all-WNBA first and second teams.

College coach news:

Tina Langley is building Washington basketball around the right people.

Themes heading into the next round

WNBA Finals news:

Game 4 feels like a must-win for the Valkyries, but can they generate enough offense?

Golden State is searching for their Finals fire.

The Dream selling out an NBA arena for their finals game shows how much has changed for the franchise.

How Atlanta is approaching the remainder of the Finals series.

How Angel Reese rebuilt her shot from scratch.

Reese is now convinced that her team has a mental edge on their opponents.

Allisha Gray's left hand feels fine, but she is not 100 percent.

How two former Chicago Sky stars found homes in the Bay Area and Atlanta.

WNBA team news:

Fever president Kelly Krauskopf resigned, while the franchise fired GM Amber Cox.

Indiana coach Stephanie White is expected back.

Mark Walter is trying to sell the Los Angeles Sparks for a record valuation.

College season on the horizon as we prepare for game 4

WNBA team news:

The Valkyries aren't panicking, but have a sense of urgency about game 4.

Golden State must address their defensive breakdowns.

The "undisciplined" Valkyries look to bounce back before it's too late.

Everyone stepped up for the Dream last night.

Atlanta fans turned last night's game into a spectacle......and a WNBA wonderland.

WNBA player news:

Tiffany Hayes is the key to a comeback for Golden State.

College team news:

Depth and unselfish play will be key for Louisville this season.

UConn is ready to make another title run after last year's disappointing finish.

Oregon State enters a new era with a lot to prove.

College player news:

The preseason AP All-American team.

New team, same Audi Crooks.

Atlanta ups the ante

Today's result:

The Dream dominated the Valkyries, 97-71.

WNBA team news:

Inside the training camp that spurred the Dream's Finals run.

Atlanta's dream of a WNBA title may be coming soon.

Golden State looked lost tonight.

WNBA player news:

Rookie Madina Okot is staying ready for her call in the Finals.

WNBA coach news:

Karl Smesko is living the dream as Atlanta's coach.

College player news:

Audi Crooks had "honest conversations" at Iowa State before leaving for Oklahoma State.

Finals action continues tomorrow

 WNBA team news:

The Dream exposed the Valkyries' offensive shortcomings. Now they must answer.

WNBA player news:

Six players finally getting the spotlight in the WNBA Finals.

Angel Reese is determined to lead Atlanta to something special.

Dearica Hamby has launched a tween beauty brand with her daughter.

WNBA coach news:

Natalie Nakase learned hard work from her dad. In the WNBA playoffs, she is learning her about her limits.

College team news:

The AP top 25 preseason poll is out.

Breaking down each team.....what to know.

College coach news:

ASU coach Molly Miller can't hide this season.

Dream win game 2, even series

Today's result:

The Dream stuffed the Valkyries, 79-65, to even the series. Angel Reese lead the way with 30 points and 16 rebounds.

Game 3 is Wednesday in Atlanta.....

WNBA team news:

The Dream's secret support system? Their moms.

WNBA player news:

Gabby Williams has found her formula for success in the WNBA.

Williams keeps raising her game as her team chases a title.

Laeticia Amihere went from barely playing to being Golden State's secret weapon.

WNBA coach news:

How Natalie Nakase has the Valkyries on the cusp of league history.

The Valkyries strike first, take game 1

Today's result:

The Valkyries topped the Dream, 68-64.

The team in purple "found a way" to win.

WNBA team news:

Atlanta looks to clean things up after game 1.

Golden State retained and relished their Ballhalla advantage.

How the Valkyries cooled off Angel Reese.

WNBA player news:

How Gabby Williams uses math to shoulder a heavy offensive burden.

The growing power of women's basketball shoes.

WNBA commissioner news:

Cathy Engelbert reflected on the league's growth, and said the commissioner's job requires "thick skin."

Engelbert said a search firm is vetting candidates to replace her.

One more sleep until the Finals

Game 1 of the WNBA Finals tips at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow on NBC

WNBA team news:

The league's top two defensive teams face off for the title.

The Valkyries are anxious to tip off at home.

They are bringing Bay Area musicians to the Finals.

The mantra behind Atlanta's title run.

WNBA player news:

Gabby Williams is Golden State's not-so-secret weapon......she helped turn an expansion team into a Bay Area phenomenon.

Kayla Thornton is eyeing her second ring.

DeWanna Bonner's path to this Final was unlikely.

Angel Reese won't shy away from the big stage of the Finals......she has taken the Dream to another level.

Reese has taken center stage.

Allisha Gray is a game-time decision to play.

WNBA coach news:

Natalie Nakase coaches the same way she once played: scrappy, smart, and fully herself.

The lead-up is underway

WNBA team news:

How the Dream and the Valkyries broke the mold to reach the Finals.

Atlanta and Allisha Gray are optimistic she'll be available for game 1.

The Dream went from forced sale to the Finals.

Golden State was overlooked, and now head to the Finals.

The matchup will be a defensive masterclass.

The Wings are pleased but not satisfied at the season. What will it take to win a title?

WNBA player news:

Gabby Williams always did what teams needed. Golden State needed her to be a star.

Aliyah Boston underwent arthroscopic surgery to repair the lateral meniscus in her right knee.

WNBA coach and GM news:

Karl Smesko's leap from college to the pros has paid off.

Natalie Nakase's high-energy, hands-on coaching style has propelled her team to the playoffs.

The Valkyries' GM is relishing the Finals run with her handpicked roster.

The Dream's GM never doubted the team's potential.

LaToya Sanders won a WNBA title as a player, and now strives for one as an assistant coach.

College coach news:

Columbia suspended coach Megan Griffith for the first three games of the season after a review of her coaching behavior.

Mid-week mania

WNBA team news:

Golden State will have their hands full with Angel Reese.

WNBA player news:

Jordin Canada credits faith and resilience for her breakthrough playoff run.

Reese trusted Atlanta coach Karl Smesko to change her shot, and it's paying dividends.

Reese is taking center stage for the Dream.

WNBA owner news:

Valkyries owner Joe Lacob believed in the team from day 1, but reaching the Finals in year 2 is remarkable.

College team news:

Notre Dame is younger and more fun-loving than ever.

No more "surprise" at Vanderbilt, as coach Shea Ralph is thinking about championships.

College player news:

Ten freshmen to watch this season.

The WNBA Finals and college season are approaching

WNBA team news:

The Dream have moved games 3 and 4 to State Farm Arena to accommodate more fans.

WNBA player news:

Gabby Williams came to Golden State on a mission to win, and is now playing in the Finals.

Allisha Gray had a minor procedure on her left hand and is day to day heading into the Finals.

College team news:

Duke is picked to win the ACC again.

College player news:

How Hannah Hidalgo has somehow elevated her game in year 4.

Up in the air

WNBA team news:

The Dream are working to relocate the Finals from a 3,500-seat venue.

Patience, trades, and one bold bet: how Atlanta finally broke through to the Finals.

Can the Valkyries solve Angel Reese? The Finals matchup could hinge on it.

Golden State's Finals prep entails leaning on those who have been there.

WNBA coach news:

Natalie Nakase is built for the league's biggest stage.

College coach news:

Longtime Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly will retire at the end of the season.

Still low-key

WNBA team news:

The location of the Dream's home games for the Finals is still uncertain.

So unimaginable but so realistic: how the Valkyries made the finals in year 2.

WNBA player news:

Gabby Williams began her hoops journey on a Bay Area club team.

The standard A'ja Wilson helped create now defines the Aces' future.

The quiet after the frenzy

WNBA team news:

A first-time WNBA champion awaits as the Dream face the Valkyries.

The Aces face an offseason shakeup, with Jackie Young's future looming.

The Liberty could also see major changes.

Why the Storm believe in their new coach, despite a historically bad season.

WNBA player news:

The abrupt end to A'ja Wilson's historic MVP season.

Dream, Valkyries punch their tickets to the Finals with game 3 sweeps

Today's semifinal results:

The Dream edged the Liberty, 85-83, to close out the series and head to the Finals.

The Valkyries put away the Aces in OT, 87-77, to bust into the Finals in their second year.

The series begins Saturday, Oct. 17.

WNBA player news:

Tina Charles is the Liberty's newest intern.

More story links on our Twitter

Get ready for game 3's

WNBA team news:

The Liberty's loss last night came amid a disputed reset timeout.

Golden State has become the first women's sports team to surpass $100 million in annual revenue.

The Aces face possible elimination at home.

After another early playoff exit, what's next for Indiana?

WNBA player news:

Tiffany Hayes took a leap of faith with the Valkyries, and now has them one win away from the finals.

Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaun updates.

A'ja Wilson was named league MVP for a record fifth time.....Olivia Miles was the runner-up.

Caitlin Clark is eligible for the new CBA's "EPIC" deal.

Clark denounced online hatred directed toward Kelsey Mitchell.

WNBA coach news:

How Becky Hammon helped unlock the best version of A'ja Wilson.

College team news:

Indiana's unique freshman class is ready to get the team back on track.

Whoa! Dream and Valkyries both take 2-0 series lead

Well well well..............(!!)

Today's results:

The Dream eclipsed the Liberty in OT, 101-98.

The Valkyries held off the Aces, 83-81.

WNBA owner news:

Golden State owner Joe Lacob has tried to be less emotional about his WNBA team. It's not working.

College team news:

UCLA and USC are looking to extend their dominance of Big Ten basketball.

The National Champion Bruins feel overlooked going into the new season.

Michigan is ready to take the next step after last year's Elite 8 run.

College player news:

JuJu Watkins says she'll be a smarter player returning from her ACL injury.

College coach news:

Why relationships matter to Niele Ivey.

Penn State coach Tanisha Wright talks identity and program-building.

Game 2's on deck

WNBA team news:

The Aces are battling injuries going into the next game......their depth may be tested in a must-win game 2.

Atlanta will move to State Farm Arena next season.

WNBA player news:

Gabby Williams is raising her game in the playoffs.

Q&A with Breanna Stewart.

Allisha Gray's finger injury will keep her out of game 2 tomorrow.

Tiffany Hayes takes a slice of her hometown with her to the semis.

Napheesa Collier faces a big decision in returning to the Lynx.

WNBA coach news:

Natalie Nakase is learning her limits.

Her collapse Sunday was a wake up call.

College player news:

Hannah Hidalgo has gone from freshman star to heralded senior.

College coach news:

Kate Paye dismisses allegations that Stanford women's basketball has a "toxic environment" under her leadership.

The prolific pause

WNBA team news:

The Valkyries are keeping their dream alive.

WNBA player news:

The minutes are mounting for Breanna Stewart.

DeWanna Bonner is becoming a Dream savior and a Liberty nightmare.

The Lynx's season is over, but the Olivia Miles era is just beginning.

College team news:

Duke is ready for the new season.

With a deeper team, Louisville aims to learn from last year's lessons.

Dream, Valkyries with emphatic wins

Today's semifinal results:

Great defense and prolific scoring fueled the Dream's win over the Liberty, 92-82.

The Valkyries ran away from the Aces, 71-60.

WNBA player news:

DeWanna Bonner's fiery halftime speech fueled Atlanta to today's win.

In her 17th season, Bonner is still moving the needle in the playoffs.

WNBA coach news:

Natalie Nakase is adjusting her routine after her on-court collapse Friday.

The night before the semifinals begin

WNBA team news:

The Liberty's success on the road is giving them confidence going into the semifinals.

The Dream are locked in for game 1 against upset-minded New York.

The Valkyries will face the ultimate test in the Aces......as well as many questions.

After a special season, the Mystics will enter 2027 with lofty expectations.

WNBA player news:

We don't appreciate Breanna Stewart enough.

Kelsey Mitchell said she'll be "selfish" with her impending free agency decision.

What's next for the Arike Ogunbowale-Paige Bueckers duo?

How Natasha Howard defied the odds.

WNBA coach and GM news:

Becky Hammon's Aces face Natalie Nakase's Valkyries in the semifinals.

GM Amber Cox defended the Fever's fan base......which one columnist says has pushed the franchise to the breaking point.

Indiana coach Stephanie White said she would like to return if the franchise wants her.

Golden State takes the last semifinal slot with a win over Dallas

Today's result:

The Valkyries rallied from 16 down to take the Wings, 77-73.

The semifinals are set......and they tip off Sunday

Aces bounce Fever to lock in their semifinal spot

Today's result:

The Aces ran past the Fever, 94-83.

WNBA team news:

It took until the playoffs, but the Liberty are finally firing on all cylinders.

Golden State is pondering adjustments going into game 3......they aim to return to their identity.

The Valkyries prepared for Paige Bueckers, but overlooked Arike Ogunbowale.

The Lynx are confronting their future, as well as Napheesa Collier's.

WNBA player news:

Bueckers is ready to go all out in game 3.

WNBA coach news:

The Sky will bring back Tyler Marsh for a third season.