The 2026 WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream continues with Game 5 on Monday night, Oct. 26 at 8 p.m ET.
With the series tied up at two apiece, Game 5 will return to Bay Area as the Valkyries prepare to host the Dream at Chase Arena, better known as Ballhalla.
Monday night’s matchup will be the first time the WNBA’s best-of-seven series, first implemented in 2025, is heading to a Game 5 (and beyond). Last season’s Finals ended in a four game sweep.
Atlanta Dream vs Golden State Valkyries Game 5 Preview:
Coming off two straight losses during Games 2 and 3, it appeared that the Valkyries might break their streak of never losing three or more games in a row during Game 4.
However, they turned things around, grabbing a 67-62 win over the Dream in an gritty road win to tie up the series.
Valkryies head coach Natalie Nakase shifted up her lineup heading into Game 4, including bringing Kayla Thornton and Cecilia Zandalasini off the bench, as well as putting Tiffany Hayes into the starting roster.
That Valkyries defense doing what it does 🔐
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 24, 2026
Cecilia Zandalasini comes up with the steal and converts for two in transition
GSV-ATL | NBC | Peacock | #WNBASeason30 | #2026WNBAFinals
Tap to watch: https://t.co/Oyxt6PmHW2 pic.twitter.com/0FAMGrzEPH
While Atlanta had a better second half than the Valkyries, missed opportunities — including 18 turnovers — got in their way of putting together a comeback.
Dream’s Angel Reese, who shot 2-for-12, said she thought she rushed her shots during the Dream’s loss.
“I didn’t take my time to finish around the basket like I’ve been doing in the last three games,” Reese said in Atlanta’s postgame press conference. “It happens — just looking forward to the next game, and I’ll just be better.”
Heading into Game 5, the Dream will be looking to shake off the loss, while the Valkyries will want to carry their Game 4 momentum forward, spurred by the Ballhalla crowd.
Regardless of who takes Game 5, a once “if needed” Game 6 is now needed in this best-of-seven series.
Game 6 will take place in Atlanta, but the jury is still out on when and where. The game is scheduled for 8pm ET on Thursday, Oct. 29, but much like earlier games in the series, the league must sort through scheduling conflicts to determine what arena will host the matchup and when.
Dream spokesperson on where Game 6 of the Finals in Atlanta will be played, via @alexaphilippou:
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) October 25, 2026
"We are waiting to hear from the league if any changes can be made to allow us to play in State Farm Arena. If not, the game will be played in Gateway Center Arena."
Gateway Center…
How to watch the Atlanta Dream vs Golden State Valkyries:
When: Monday, Oct. 26
Where: Chase Arena, San Francisco, CA
Time: Live coverage begins at 6 p.m PT/8 p.m ET
TV Channel: USA Sports
Live Stream: Peacock
