WNBA Finals 2026: Previewing Valkyries-Dream Game 7 - ESPN

The Dream and Valkyries have stretched the season as long as it can go, until the last day in October. This year, Halloween will bring a championship trophy to one franchise in the WNBA's first Game 7 as Golden State hosts Atlanta on Saturday (8 p.m. ET).

The first Game 6 went to Atlanta 80-69 on Thursday at State Farm Arena to even the WNBA Finals at 3-3. The league moved to a best-of-seven format for the Finals last season, but the Las Vegas Aces swept the Phoenix Mercury. This year, we're going the distance.

Both teams have won twice at home and once on the road. The No. 2 seed Valkyries, whose passionate fanbase has turned Ballhalla into a legendary venue in just the franchise's second season, hope to celebrate at home. The No. 4 seed Dream, who were swept in three previous Finals appearances, want to take the prize back to Atlanta.

We've seen three games in this series in which Golden State's defense had the last word and three when Atlanta's offense has busted past the 70-point mark. That has been the line in the sand: When the Dream have scored below 70, they've lost.

Since many Golden State fans already show up in Valkyries costumes, Halloween night at Chase Center might not look that different from another game. But it will feel like the biggest night in both franchises' history. Both seek their first championship.

ESPN looks at what could determine the champ or derail the dream.

Kendra Andrews: While Golden State coach Natalie Nakase called her team's tough start to Game 6 «unacceptable,» guard Veronica Burton focused on the positive. She gave the Valkyries props for battling from as far down as 25 points to pull within eight toward the end of the game.

«At the end of the day, we feel good,» Burton said. But