The Indiana Fever want a championship. Is their reputation around the WNBA in the way?
Indiana may need to swing big in free agency. But will some players' perceptions of the Fever and its fans hamper their shot at a title?
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Golden State Valkyries couldn’t meet the moment again. Can they recover in the WNBA Finals?
"They wanted it more than us,” Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes said. “That’s not who we are."
How to play Strands: Sports Edition, step-by-step
Strands: Sports Edition has some twists that are worth knowing whether or not you've played the first edition of the game.
Welcome to Strands: Sports Edition, The Athletic's newest daily game
Strands: Sports Edition, our newest daily game, asks you to find hidden sports-themed terms in a grid.
Atlanta Dream roll to Game 3 win, take a 2-1 series lead on Golden State
Game 4 takes place on Saturday in Atlanta.
Enes Kanter Freedom says he was 'kicked out of' Game 3 of WNBA Finals
Freedom had been ejected from a WNBA game earlier this season for his confrontation with a player.
WNBA Finals Game 1 draws record audience as Dream, Valkyries chase first title
The WNBA Finals don't feature the Fever, Lynx, Aces or Liberty. Game 1 still drew 2.1 million viewers on NBC and Peacock.
WNBA has opportunity for layup decision: Close the door on Enes Kanter Freedom at finals game
By banning Freedom from Game 3 between the Valkyries and Dream, the league can take a stand to protect its product and its personnel.
Allow her to reintroduce herself. Plus: Defense is driving these WNBA Finals
Welcome to No Offseason, The Athletic's women's basketball newsletter.
Enes Kanter Freedom says he plans to attend WNBA Finals game as a fan
Freedom has been banned from the Chicago Sky's arena for an altercation earlier this season.
Valkyries and Dream focus on defense, but why can't WNBA Finals produce more scoring?
After an offensively explosive season, points have been hard to come by in the finals.
Angel Reese proves why she's the Dream's ultimate giver in confidence, energy and buckets
Reese has the Dream focused and determined. And now they've evened the series as the finals return to Atlanta.
Atlanta Dream dominate Golden State Valkyries for WNBA Finals Game 2 win
The series heads to Atlanta for games 3 and 4.
A perfect Monday, plus the Rams' demise
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Our bylines are going to be a bit different this week, as most of the newsletter team will be together in New York. Happy Monday: 📆 There’s a lot happening today 😵💫 Are…
Here's how Dream can better use Angel Reese in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals
The Dream need to be more disruptive defensively to get Reese more opportunities in transition.
A’ja Wilson cried in her coach’s arms after a playoff loss. The moment revealed her own superpower
Tanisha Wright coached A’ja Wilson, a five-time WNBA MVP, for two seasons as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces.
Valkyries survive shooting slump with their usual grit for WNBA Finals win
The Valkyries won a tough Game 1 against the Atlanta Dream behind their defense. Can they find their shot for Game 2?
WNBA Finals between Valkyries and Dream won't be pretty, but they'll be far from boring
After a season of offensive fireworks, expect the finals' teams to slug it out to the end.
Golden State Valkyries hold on for WNBA Finals Game 1 victory over Atlanta Dream
Gabby Williams led the Valkyries with 26 points, while Allisha Gray led the Dream with 19 points.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addresses legacy at WNBA Finals
Officiating problems have continued to arise this season. A replay center is expected to help bring clarity.
WNBA Finals schedule: TV, tipoff times for Golden State Valkyries vs. Atlanta Dream
Here are the dates, times and TV listings for all seven potential games of the 2026 WNBA Finals.
2026 WNBA Finals odds: Valkyries small favorites vs. Dream
In a battle of teams looking for their franchise's first championship, sportsbooks give Golden State the slight edge.
Eight reasons to get excited for Valkyries vs. Dream in the 2026 WNBA Finals
We've put together a list of reasons to get hyped for this matchup, which will bring a first-time WNBA champion no matter what.
The Valkyries gave Gabby Williams the keys. She turned an expansion team into a Bay Area phenomenon
Williams, with roots in the area, has quickly become a fan favorite for embracing the Bay Area's culture.
WNBA Finals matchup: Can Dream score on Valkyries' defense? Is Jordin Canada the X-factor?
Our expert Sabreena Merchant breaks down the finals and makes her prediction.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Oct. 15, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
WNBA free agent fits: Napheesa Collier to Golden State? Kelsey Mitchell to Las Vegas?
This offseason won't be as dramatic as last year's, but a handful of star free agents could make major impacts if they sign with new teams.
Elite athletes require mental toughness. Here's what that actually means
A tennis player has to manage the pressure of competing alone, while a baseball player faces long stretches between moments of action.
From court to culture: The growing power of women's basketball shoes
Women’s basketball footwear reflects the influence of the athletes themselves. As the game grows, so does their impact on the culture.
A first-time WNBA champ is coming soon. Plus: Dream (almost) sort out finals arena
Welcome to No Offseason, The Athletic's women's basketball newsletter.
Atlanta Dream change playoff date, time to host finals games at State Farm Arena
The Dream had to work around arena scheduling of a concert and Hawks games.
Angel Reese is leading Caitlin Clark in the only thing that matters: Winning rings
Reese has an NCAA title and is looking to add a WNBA championship.
Trump talks about Sophie Cunningham's looks, drawing power at rally
Cunningham is an unrestricted free agent for the Fever.
Atlanta Dream still seeking home venue for WNBA Finals
State Farm Arena is hosting a concert and two Hawks games on the dates the Dream are scheduled to host.
WNBA Finals questions: Do Valkyries or Dream have the defensive edge? Will Gray be back?
Dream are still looking for a home arena. Where will they host?
Valkyries defense shifted into high gear to sweep the Aces, advance to WNBA Finals
"Now is our time." The Valkyries, just two years in existence, are making history.
After playoff elimination, Liberty players' silence on coach Chris DeMarco speaks volumes
Everyone but Breanna Stewart should be considered replaceable for the Liberty to return to the championship game.
WNBA Finals predictions: Valkyries or Dream? Our experts make their picks
The finals start on Oct. 17. Both teams enter rested after sweeping their semifinals opponents.
Angel Reese is WNBA's last young star standing — just as she manifested
It was the full Angel Reese Experience. She scored 22 points, talked major trash and led the Dream to the finals in her third WNBA season.
Welcome to a new era of the WNBA, courtesy of Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream
Just two years into the franchise's existence, Golden State made a statement by sweeping the defending champion Aces.
Atlanta Dream headed to first WNBA Finals since 2013, eliminate New York Liberty
The Dream swept the Liberty in three games, closing out the series at Barclays Center.
WNBA says referees mishandled interaction with Breanna Stewart, Liberty at end of Game 2
Stewart said officials' account of the end-of-game timeout controversy is essentially questioning her character.
ESPN video shows Breanna Stewart asking ref about reset timeout at end of Liberty's Game 2 loss
After the game, Stewart and coach Chris DeMarco said officials told them New York did not have a reset timeout remaining, although they did.
Aces star A'ja Wilson wins 5th WNBA MVP award, solidifying place among the greats
No other WNBA player in history has won more than three MVPs, and only three NBA players have won as many as five, including Michael Jordan.
Caitlin Clark defends Kelsey Mitchell, decries racist rhetoric as 'not something I stand for'
Clark said she has talked to Mitchell since the season ended and expressed a desire to continue playing together.
Veronica Burton’s gutsy shot shows why Valkyries have defending champs on ropes
The two-year-old franchise is one win away from making the WNBA Finals.
The Liberty didn't call a reset timeout late in OT. Now they're in an 0-2 hole
New York, down three, didn't call a reset timeout to inbound the ball near midcourt, settling for a Breanna Stewart 3-point air-ball heave.
For relentless Natalie Nakase, rest was the recharge the Valkyries required
Golden State has a 2-0 lead on Aces. The key? Keeping their foot on the gas during games, and taking it off between them.
Breanna Stewart unhappy with officiating after Game 2 OT loss: 'It's pretty frustrating'
Officials disputed Stewart's assessment of the end-of-game situation.
Valkyries take Game 2 for 2-0 semifinals lead, can clinch first finals berth in Las Vegas
No WNBA team has completed a successful comeback from a 2-0 deficit in a five-game series.
Atlanta Dream take 2-0 semifinals lead against New York Liberty
The Dream can close out the semifinals Friday in New York.
First round of WNBA playoffs hit record viewership, Fever-Aces series hike numbers
Game 3 between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces averaged 2.25 million viewers across networks, peaking at 2.7 million.
Atlanta Dream will play all 2027 games at State Farm Arena, part of a multiyear deal
State Farm Arena has a capacity of 17,044, significantly larger than the team's current home at Gateway Center Arena.
Dream guard Allisha Gray out with hand injury for WNBA semifinals Game 2
Gray left Sunday's game with a finger injury on her shooting hand.
Is best-of-3 really best? Plus: Can the Liberty core bounce back?
Welcome to No Offseason, The Athletic's women's basketball newsletter.
Fever should part with Sophie Cunningham. She's too turbulent to be paired with Caitlin Clark
If the Fever ever want to go back to being a basketball team, Cunningham — who was largely responsible for this year's circus — has to go.
How did Valkyries' Natalie Nakase outduel Aces' Becky Hammon for Game 1 win? These 3 tactics
The two are among the WNBA's best masterminds. Expect Hammon to find some counter-moves for Game 2.
Las Vegas Aces have two days of reckoning after flat-footed semifinals loss to Valkyries
The Aces must adjust, but injuries to their rotation players are adding up.
Golden State Valkyries flex their depth to expose Aces' flaws in Game 1 of WNBA semifinals
Golden State's Gabby Williams was the brightest star on the court Sunday night, but the Valkyries have plenty of options.
A late addition to the Dream, 17-year WNBA veteran DeWanna Bonner looks like the key
Bonner's business-like attitude helped the Dream make a statement in the Game 1 semifinals win against the Liberty.
Valkyries' Gabby Williams shines in Game 1 WNBA semifinals defeat of Aces
Williams led the way Sunday with 25 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
Without injured Allisha Gray, Dream power to Game 1 semifinal win over Liberty
Jordin Canada scored 25 points and DeWanna Bonner added 23 off the bench, and their experience helped Atlanta take Game 1 against New York.
2026 WNBA semifinals schedule: How to watch Liberty vs. Dream, Aces vs. Valkyries
The WNBA postseason has reached the semifinals, where hype is high and narratives abound. Here's what to know about both series.
NBA hires search firm to identify Cathy Engelbert's replacement as WNBA commissioner: Sources
The firm, Excel, also represents WNBA stars including Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier.
Kelsey Mitchell counters Fever GM's defense of fans, vows to 'be selfish' in free agency
Indiana Fever GM Amber Cox says that attacks on the Fever fanbase "have no basis in reality.”
Gabby Williams needed a team to have faith in her. Now, she's given Valkyries reason to believe
The clutch local star launched the Valkyries into the semifinals in just their second season of existence.
Matchups, predictions for 2026 WNBA semifinals: Liberty or Dream? Aces or Valkyries?
What are the big questions each team must answer?
Scary moment for Valkyries as coach Natalie Nakase collapses during playoff win
"She was fine, laughing and in great spirits," Valkyries assistant Kasib Powell said.
Golden State Valkyries advance to first semifinals, setting up showdown with Aces
The second-seeded Valkyries needed a comeback to overcome the No. 7 Wings.
Veronica Burton went from overlooked to indispensable with the Golden State Valkyries
Burton has been a key to Golden State Valkyries quick ascent in the WNBA.
Napheesa Collier's early playoff exit means her offseason dilemma starts now
"Wherever she lands, it's going to be because she thinks whatever she chooses, whoever she chooses, is the right place for her."
This is just the start. Plus, the Browns might be good
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Have a plan today. Coming up: ➡️ Braves, Aces advance ⚽Sullivan still set for City 📈A new kind of NFL ranking For two hours last night, sports nirvana occurred. Two…
Breanna Stewart is still one of the WNBA’s greats. Why don’t we appreciate her enough?
As she leads the No. 8 seed Liberty into the semifinals, Stewart keeps defining excellence.
Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever face new expectations after another playoff exit
Puzzling out how to construct a title-winning supporting cast will be a necessary, complicated task for the Fever in its title quest.
A'ja Wilson, Aces advance as Caitlin Clark, Fever fall short in playoffs
The Aces will make their eighth straight trip to the semifinals in their quest to repeat as WNBA champions.
The WNBA wanted attention. A'ja Wilson should know what comes with it
There's a reason strict rules against confronting fans exist, especially after the Malice at the Palace. The WNBA's inaction is troubling.
Angel Reese named WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
A day after sweeping the Mystics to advance in the WNBA playoffs, the LSU product became the first Atlanta player to win the award.
Caitlin Clark and the strange phenomenon of puking sports stars
The WNBA star delivered a match-winning performance after being ill at halftime Tuesday, but is far from alone
A'ja Wilson will not face repercussions from WNBA for interaction with fan
Wilson's Aces face elimination in Game 3 on Thursday night in Las Vegas.
WNBA playoffs scores from last night: Ogunbowale’s 45 points saves Wings; Dream sweep Mystics
The Dream will face No. 8 seed New York Liberty on Sunday.
October sports watch guide: World Series, WNBA Finals, NBA and 'A Bears Love Story'
Here's what to watch across a glorious and busy month, which includes the Oct. 26 sports equinox.
This Week in Sports Trivia: Oct. 1, 2026
How closely were you following the sports news this week? Find out and test your knowledge by taking The Athletic's weekly quiz.
October is already fun, plus poll results
The Pulse Newsletter 📣 | This is The Athletic’s daily sports newsletter. Sign up here to receive The Pulse directly in your inbox. Good morning! Extend your series today. Coming up: ‼️ A WNBA playoff thriller 📈 Three MLB teams advance 🔁 Late-night NFL trade We are in the midst of a beautiful time, and not just…
Jessica Shepard's time has arrived with Wings: Can WNBA's Most Improved Player bounce back again?
Shepard may be the key for the Wings to rally against the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2 of the first round.
The Liberty's Big 3 returned for unfinished business ... and they're getting to work
The Liberty staged a historic first round, becoming the first No. 8 seed to upset a No. 1 seed in the WNBA playoffs.
Will Napheesa Collier be back with the Lynx? Minnesota enters a murky offseason
The Lynx became the first No. 1 seed to be bounced from the playoffs by the No. 8 seed.
A wild playoff day in 2 sports. Plus: NHL's No. 1 pick debuts
Welcome to The Pulse, The Athletic's daily newsletter.
Caitlin Clark’s historic playoff night had everything: 27 points, 15 assists and pure chaos
Clark’s record-setting playoff night — 27 points, 15 assists, 6 rebounds — couldn't happen in normal environment. Did anyone think it would?
Sonia Citron never thought she’d play in the WNBA. Now she’s the Mystics’ go-to scorer
“Sonia's very soft spoken. But (teammates) listen, and they hang on every word and respect her.”
A’ja Wilson, Aces frazzled and frustrated in Fever loss. In Game 3, they must reclaim their identity
Las Vegas will now have to fend off the end of the season, at the hands of a team trying to be the next version of the Aces.
Liberty become first No. 8 seed to beat No. 1 seed in WNBA playoffs, eliminate Lynx
The Liberty advance to the semifinals, where they'll face either the Atlanta Dream or Washington Mystics.
A'ja Wilson confronts courtside fan, receives technical during Aces-Fever playoff game
Wilson finished with 22 points and nine rebounds in Game 2, scoring 8 points after the fan interaction.
Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark among WNBA stars who attribute hoops skills to soccer background
Miles and Clark are known for their vision and pizzazz on the court. It wasn’t different on the soccer fields.
One question for each playoff series. Plus: Vets prove no match for youngins
Welcome to No Offseason, The Athletic's women's basketball newsletter.
With Fever's season on the line, Kelsey Mitchell uses late father's memory as motivation
Kelsey Mitchell has had a standout season. Can she keep it going by fending off the Aces in Game 2?
'Young Hos' nickname choice by Washington Mystics undercuts the fun, unafraid women behind it
Reappropriating the term "hos" celebrates a culture that’s rooted in abuse and dehumanization, in which many girls and women are trapped.
Minnesota Lynx's Olivia Miles and Cheryl Reeve win WNBA awards
Reeve won Coach of the Year for the fifth time, the most for any coach in a major American professional league.
Golden State Valkyries look ready to contend after Game 1 blowout of Wings
In just their second season of existence, the Valkyries opened the playoffs with a statement win.
What's it cost to attend every WNBA playoff arena? Being a fan isn't so cheap anymore
Average first-round ticket prices have risen 78 percent over the last five years, and demand for this season's playoffs is up 27 percent.
Advantage in the WNBA playoffs goes to the team with A'ja Wilson, as usual
Wilson scored 38 points to dominate the Fever in Game 1.