There’s never been a better time to be a WNBA fan. The talent is extraordinary, the number of franchises keeps growing, and the players are turning heads for everything from their thrilling performances to their tunnel ’fits. Whether you’ve been following the league for years or only recently learned the difference between a layup and a free throw, there’s plenty to be excited about.
Now, after a season of buzzer-beaters and breakout stars, the Finals are here. Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream are on a hot streak, sweeping their way through the playoffs and making their first Finals appearance in 13 years. With the reigning Defensive Player of the Year leading the charge, they’re hoping to bring home the franchise’s first championship. But standing in their way are the Golden State Valkyries, who have been busy rewriting the record books. In just their second season, they’ve shattered attendance records and become the fastest expansion team in WNBA history to reach the Finals. One thing’s guaranteed: A first-time champion is about to be crowned.
To celebrate, Bustle is (literally) going courtside and beyond, getting to know the athletes, coaches, and personalities who make the W the coolest league in sports. Consider this your front-row seat.
— Bustle editors
Gabby Williams, 30
Team: Valkyries
Position: Forward
The final thing I tell myself before stepping on the court is… a six-seven dab with all of my teammates.
After Finals, I can’t wait to… be with my teammates and celebrate everything this season has brought us.
Angel Reese, 24
Team: Dream
Position: Forward
The final thing I do before I leave the locker room is… pray.
I would tell young fans to… dream big. I hope you get everything you put your mind to. You matter, you belong, and just keep pushing for another day.
Tiffany Hayes, 37
Team: Valkyries
Position: Guard
The final thing I do before stepping on the court is… pray.
After Finals, I can’t wait to… travel.
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, 31
Team: Dream
Position: Guard
My final thought before tipoff is… let’s go!
The final thing I do before stepping on the court is… tie my shoes.
Kayla Thornton, 33
Team: Valkyries
Position: Forward
The final thing I do before taking a free throw is… God, take the wheel.
After Finals, I can’t wait to… relax and spend time with my lovely parents.
Te-Hina Paopao, 24
Team: Dream
Position: Guard
The final thing I do before I leave the locker room is… make my rounds and make sure everyone’s good.
My final thought before tipoff is… we are ready, and I’m excited for this opportunity.
Veronica Burton, 26
Team: Valkyries
Position: Guard
The final thing I do before I leave the locker room is… grab a piece of gum and say a quick prayer.
The final thing I do before taking a free throw is… Nat [Nakase, Valkyries head coach,] said to go to a safe space, so I think of going to my Cape house with my family.
Madina Okot, 22
Team: Dream
Position: Center
My final thought before tipoff is… we are the best team and we got this.
The final thing I do before taking a free throw is… take a deep breath in and out.
Kaitlyn Chen, 24
Team: Valkyries
Position: Guard
The final thing I tell myself before stepping on the court is… well, I spit my gum at Milly [Ye, Valkyries staff,] and she catches it in a cup, so I hope I have a good spit so she catches it.
The final thing I do before taking a free throw is… focus and hope the ball goes in.
Sika Koné, 24
Team: Dream
Position: Forward
The final thing I tell myself before stepping on the court is… calm down, Sika. You can do it.
After Finals, I can’t wait to… celebrate with my teammates, with Madina [Okot]!
Aminata Gueye, 24
Team: Valkyries
Position: Center
The final thing I do before I leave the locker room is… sudoku, probably.
The final thing I do before taking a free throw is… focusing on my leg to push.
Cecilia Zandalasini, 30
Team: Valkyries
Position: Forward
The final thing I do before I leave the locker room is… make sure it’s clean. As I found it, I want to leave it.
The final thing I do before taking a free throw is… high-five all my teammates, and all my staff and coaches.
Justė Jocytė, 20
Team: Valkyries
Position: Guard
My final thought before tipoff is… finally!
After Finals, I can’t wait to… hopefully get the championship snowboard goggles because I really want them. Give me your goggles.
Everything You Need To Know About The WNBA Finals
From arena switch-ups to Angel Reese's eerie manifestation.
