The Golden State Valkyries were shut out of the 2026 All-WNBA first and second teams, announced Saturday during NBC's pregame show for Game 4 of the WNBA Finals, even though the second-year franchise is playing Atlanta for the championship.
Why it matters: The snub highlights the Valkyries' depth-first identity. They reached the Finals without a player voters ranked among the league's top 10, High Post Hoops noted.
Who made it
The first team was Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson, Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles, New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, and Indiana Fever guards Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, according to Central Oregon Daily. Wilson, the league MVP, earned her sixth first-team selection.
The second team was Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, Jackie Young, Paige Bueckers and Shakira Austin. Reese and Howard both play for the Dream, the Valkyries' Finals opponent. Reese was also named 2026 Defensive Player of the Year.
Central Oregon Daily noted that none of this season's first-team players are in the Finals.
Why Golden State was left out
Voting happens before the playoffs, High Post Hoops pointed out. The site argued that voters either overlooked forward Gabby Williams, who played light regular-season minutes, or the result is a nod to a team built on depth and coaching rather than one star.
Either way, the Valkyries reached true title contention in only their second season, faster than any other expansion team, High Post Hoops wrote.
What's next
The Finals continue at Chase Center. If needed, Game 6 is set for Thursday morning in Atlanta.