The Sephora Performance Center was absolutely buzzing on Friday morning. Dozens of reporters, microphones, and television cameras were squished into every nook and cranny, all there to soak in the WNBA Finals media day. We’re talking more media at this event than *any other* WNBA Finals in the league’s entire 30-year existence. It’s even estimated to be bigger than the 2024 matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty, which saw the Liberty become champions in the biggest media market out there. That, right there, tells you everything you need to know about how far the WNBA has come. The stage is finally as big and bright as the stakes deserve.
The Hype Is Real, And Angel Reese Is Dominating It
The two teams involved have everything to do with this unprecedented hype. The Golden State Valkyries, since their inception in 2025, have sold out Ballhalla every single night and even saw their violet-clad fans following them on the road as they absolutely dominated the league this year, especially with their suffocating defense. Then you’ve got the Atlanta Dream, who went all-in during the offseason, trading for superstar Angel Reese. And she delivered! The Dream earned their first Finals berth since way back in 2013.
Reese herself was the eye of the storm. With camera lights blazing and microphones pointed her way, she calmly handed off a Chanel purse, sat down with her arms crossed, and showed off that “unapologetic” tattoo on her right arm. This is her biggest moment yet in the WNBA, but let’s be real, she’s been a star for years. Remember 2023? She led Louisiana State University to their first NCAA championship, topping Caitlin Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes. Her celebration, pointing at her ring finger and gesturing that Clark didn’t faze her, ignited a debate that’s gripped women’s basketball ever since. She’s embraced that celebrity and that conversation head-on. “I haven’t really been able to reflect,” Reese said. “I think my journey definitely speaks for itself. I mean, a year ago yesterday, I was walking in Victoria’s Secret (fashion show) for the first time ever. Now, a year later, I’m on the biggest stage and being able to be in the Finals.” You can’t argue with that journey!
The Valkyries Are a Band of Misfits Ready to Shine
The attention on the Valkyries side spreads a little differently. Gabby Williams has emerged as their undeniable star, a bucket-getter and the best defender on what’s arguably the best defense in the league. But the Golden State crew is more a band of misfits and castoffs. They all serve a purpose, and the Bay Area has fallen in love with them as a collective. It’s their depth that might just win them this Finals, and it’s definitely what binds them together. With a full week between Game 3 of the semis and Game 1 of the Finals, the Valkyries made sure to enjoy their downtime. Just last Thursday, the entire team went to see comedian Laura Ramoso at the SF Masonic Auditorium. Ramoso does her jokes in Italian, English, French, and even a little German, which is perfect for a multilingual squad like the Valkyries! “I didn’t know what to expect, but she was hilarious,” said Valkyries forward Kaila Charles. “She did a lot of European-based jokes because she’s half German, half Italian. So it was kind of funny because it reminded me of living overseas, and then (Italian-born Cecilia Zandalasini ) loved it. She did French, everything. So it was a little mix for everybody.”
So here we are, on the cusp of the WNBA Finals. The stage is set, the media is ready, and the whole world is watching. Get ready for a showdown between Valkyries’ defense and collective spirit, and Angel Reese’s unstoppable star power. This is going to be wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply