Golden State Valkyries Ranked No. 1 in 2027 WNBA Projections After Title Win

The Golden State Valkyries secured the 2026 WNBA championship on Saturday by defeating the Atlanta Dream in Game 7. The victory caps a season in which the team finished with a 32-12 record and claims the top spot in projections for the upcoming 2027 campaign. Natalie Nakase, the Valkyries head coach, stated that she had spent no time contemplating the next season, focusing entirely on winning the current league title.

Golden State holds the number one position in the early rankings for 2027. The team finished the 2026 regular season in the same spot, maintaining their status as the league's leading contender. Key contributors including Gabby Williams, Veronica Burton, Kiah Stokes, and Kaila Charles remain under contract for the next season. The squad relied on league-best defense and the integration of free agent pickups Williams and Stokes, both of whom played pivotal roles in the postseason run.

Kiah Stokes, a center who became a defensive difference-maker in the playoffs, expressed confidence in the team's trajectory. "I think this is just the start of what we're trying to build here," Stokes said. The Valkyries benefited from the scoring leadership of Gabby Williams, who led the team in points during the regular season and playoffs. Several elite scorers will enter free agency, creating potential opportunities for Golden State to pursue additional talent.

The Atlanta Dream, the 2026 runner-up, ranks second for 2027. The team finished with a 30-14 record and will retain its five starters, including forward Angel Reese and guards Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. Forward Brionna Jones, who missed most of the 2026 season due to a leg injury, is also signed for the next year. The Dream will move into State Farm Arena full time in 2027, ending the venue uncertainty that affected the previous season.

The Las Vegas Aces, who lost to the Valkyries in the semifinals, hold the third position. The team went 31-13 in 2026 but fell short of its historical standards. Center A'ja Wilson and guard Chelsea Gray are under contract for 2027, while guard Jackie Young enters free agency. Retaining Young and adding depth are critical factors for Las Vegas as it seeks to maintain its core group, which has played together for the past six seasons.

The Washington Mystics and Indiana Fever occupy the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. The Mystics, who finished 28-16, feature young talents Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron who gained playoff experience in 2026. The Fever face personnel changes as president Kelly Krauskopf and general manager Amber Cox do not return. The team must decide on the future of free agent guard Kelsey Mitchell, who has spent nine seasons in Indianapolis.

The New York Liberty, Minnesota Lynx, and Dallas Wings round out the top eight. The Liberty struggled with injuries, particularly to forward Satou Sabally, who played only 13 games. The Lynx face potential roster turnover if Napheesa Collier leaves in free agency, though point guard Olivia Miles won Rookie of the Year honors. The Wings have key players like Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale signed, but questions remain regarding the health of Azzi Fudd and the team's defensive improvements.