What happened: Golden State guard Kaitlyn Chen earned a WNBA championship after the Valkyries closed out the 2026 Finals in Game 7. The victory secured the franchise's first league title at Chase Center.

Why it matters: The triumph capped the first seven-game series in WNBA Finals history and delivered a championship in the franchise's second year of play. Chen and the Valkyries now head into the upcoming 2027 season as reigning league champions.

What to watch: Golden State turns toward the upcoming 2027 campaign with plans to defend its newly minted championship crown.