WNBA Finals Set to Begin: Angel Reese's Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries

Both teams bring distinct cultural identities to the finals. The Dream's players previously advocated against their Republican co-owner, pushing for Democrat Raphael Warnock during his campaign. Meanwhile, the Valkyries have embraced LGBTQ outreach through events like Pride celebrations and community partnerships.

The upcoming finals raises questions about gameplay, including whether Golden State can limit Reese's ability to create second-chance opportunities, and if Atlanta's defense can generate sufficient scoring chances to claim the title.

Angel Reese's popularity is noteworthy; as of October 10, she boasts approximately 5.3 million Instagram followers, surpassing Clark’s following. Reese has also expanded her brand with a signature Reebok shoe and became the first female athlete featured in a national McDonald's meal collaboration in 2025. Her visibility may attract viewers who aren’t typically WNBA watchers.

Viewership benchmarks set by past playoff games could provide a frame of reference for measuring success. For example, Indiana's first-round loss to Las Vegas attracted an average of 2.25 million viewers, while the Dream's semifinal against New York drew 1.2 million on ABC.

Without Clark or Reese in last year’s finals, the Las Vegas–Phoenix championship series still averaged 1.5 million viewers across ABC and ESPN. This year’s games will be broadcast on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, potentially expanding the audience.

Reese's finals appearance could highlight whether her notable following will translate into viewership as both franchises play for their first title. The political and social activism of both teams adds another dimension to the series.

The Atlanta Dream has a strong history of activism, notably in 2020 when players protested against Republican co-owner Kelly Loeffler's criticism of the Black Lives Matter movement. The collective effort culminated in supporting Warnock’s campaign. After their activism, the team was sold to a new ownership group that includes former athlete Renee Montgomery, who emphasizes social justice.

The Golden State Valkyries, formed in 2025, have quickly identified with LGBTQ advocacy, hosting events like their annual Pride Game, which featured drag performances and community support initiatives. They have received accolades for their inclusivity efforts, highlighting their engagement with social issues in sports.

The current WNBA Finals also marks the final chapter for WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who announced her retirement at the end of 2026. Her tenure has seen the league through challenges, including successful labor negotiations that resulted in player pay increases and a seven-year agreement extending through 2032.

As the finals approach, concerns about officiating and player safety linger, alongside broader discussions about online harassment and transgender athlete participation. The forthcoming centralized replay center in 2027 intends to improve officiating by providing more resources for game reviews.

On the court, Atlanta's Reese is backed by a strong season where she averaged 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds, earning Defensive Player of the Year honors. Golden State’s Kiah Stokes will be key in challenging Reese's scoring opportunities and protecting the basket.

Both teams have a combination of veteran presence and emerging talent. Atlanta will look to Jordin Canada, who has shown versatility in creating opportunities for both herself and her teammates. Meanwhile, Gabby Williams will be central to the Valkyries' offense, and her scoring ability has increased during the playoffs.

The finals promise significant action as Atlanta seeks to harness its playoff experience and chemistry, confronting a Golden State team that has already prevailed against them in the regular season.