The Golden State Valkyries are your 2026 WNBA champions, and they pulled it off in just their second year on the planet! What an absolutely wild ride for a team that redefined “sophomore surge.” This squad went from a first-round exit to lifting the trophy faster than anyone could have predicted.
From Disappointment to Dominance
Think back to the end of their debut season, when head coach Natalie Nakase had two words to describe losing in the first round of the WNBA postseason: “disappointment” and “hungry.” She literally said, “Now we’re even more hungry because we got a little taste in the playoffs.” Well, guess what? In Year 2, the Valkyries didn’t just get a taste, they absolutely devoured the competition. They rolled through an astonishing sophomore season thanks to the league’s best defense, carving out a phenomenal 32-12 record. That kind of consistency earned them the No. 2 seed for the playoffs. This team didn’t just show up, they showed out from day one.
A Playoff Run For The Ages
Once the postseason hit, the Valkyries were unstoppable. They kicked things off by winning their first playoff game ever at Chase Center, taking down the Dallas Wings in the first round. Then came the true statement: a complete sweep of the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. Nobody saw that coming, right? And to cap it all off, they rallied for a thrilling victory over the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals. Talk about heart-stopping moments and clutch 3s! Every single game, every single moment, they brought an infectious energy that kept fans screaming from their Chase Center seats. This wasn’t just a championship, it was a statement. Now, if you want to relive every single second, from preseason expectations to Game 7 confetti, the San Francisco Chronicle has dropped “Purple Reign: The Golden State Valkyries’ 2026 Championship Season.” It is a 128-page hardcover fan keepsake, packed with exclusive stories and photos from the Chronicle’s award-winning journalists.
“Purple Reign” Captures the Magic
This book isn’t just about the wins, either. It dives into the team’s unique culture and characters, from their awesome Pride Night celebrations to the breakout performances we saw from Gabby Williams, Kiah Stokes, Janelle Salaün, and Veronica Burton. And let’s not forget Ballhalla, their sixth-man crowd, described as the biggest, loudest, purplest party in the WNBA. Chronicle sports editor Christina Kahrl said it best, talking about the “tremendous support of fans” and how the team “make history, winning it all just two seasons into their existence.” She even mentioned how it “delivered three years early on Joe Lacob’s promise” on foundation day. That’s a legacy building right there. You can pre-order your copy of “Purple Reign” for $31.95, which is 20% off the retail price of $39.95, but you gotta do it before December 3. Chronicle subscribers even snag an extra 5% discount. Books ship out January 8, 2027. What a way to celebrate a truly historic experience!
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.
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