The Golden State Valkyries emerged victorious in Game 7 of the WNBA Finals against the Atlanta Dream to win the franchise’s first championship in only their second season of existence. A big reason why the Valkyries were able to win a championship was the play of standout guard Tiffany Hayes, now in her second season with the team.

Immediately following the Valkyries’ Game 7 win in the WNBA Finals to clinch the championship, Tiffany Hayes got on the mic and reminded everyone what happens when the proper attention and resources are put into a franchise and a sport.

“This is just what happens when you invest in women’s sports,” Hayes proclaimed.

Hayes was unable to finish her statement as the arena roared with cheers amid her statement. There’s no question that the Valkyries’ ownership, spearheaded by Joe Lacob of the Golden State Warriors, has put in the proper commitment to ensuring that the organization is a top-notch and perfectly run franchise.

Part of that includes identifying Hayes as a player who was important to winning and to team culture. Hayes signed with the Valkyries in the 2025 offseason after she was initially protected by the Las Vegas Aces in the expansion draft.

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Coming into Game 7, Hayes had played in 12 playoff games with the Valkyries, including three starts, at a little over 22 minutes per game. She was averaging 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals with splits of 42.3 percent shooting from the field, 25 percent shooting from the 3-point line and 80.4 percent shooting from the free-throw line.

She finished Game 7 with 11 points, one assist and one steal in 31 minutes. She shot 4-of-9 from the field, 0-of-1 from the 3-point line and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line.