The Golden State Valkyries are the new WNBA champions after knocking off the Atlanta Dream in Game 7. Gabby Williams had an unreal Game 7 performance in front of an ecstatic Chase Center crowd to lead the Valkyries to their first championship in just their second season in existence.

Shortly after winning the title, the Valkyries got a special shoutout from none other than the “Golden State” of California's governor, Gavin Newsom.

“LET'S GOOOOOO!!! A HUGE congratulations to the Valkyries on bringing a championship home to the Bay Area! You’re making California proud. BALLHALLA!!!” Newsome posted on X, formerly Twitter.

With the Valkyries' win, they've brought the WNBA title back to California for the first time since the Los Angeles Sparks became champions for the third time in 2016. That time was a golden age in California basketball, with Stephen Curry and the Warriors dominating in the NBA and winning four championships over the course of eight seasons.

Article Continues Below

Hardly anyone would have expected the Valkyries to bring back the glory days to California in just their second season as an expansion franchise. But with the brilliant coaching of Natalie Nakase, the arrival of newly crowned WNBA Finals MVP Gabby Williams, and the complete team effort on both ends of the court, the Valkyries were able to overcome the odds and claim the championship.

The next goal for Golden State will be to successfully defend their title, which has not been easy to do in WNBA history. The Sparks in 2001-2002 are one of only three franchises to achieve the feat, along with the Houston Comets and the Las Vegas Aces.