The 2026 WNBA Finals will feature plenty of recognizable names, including Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard and Gabby Williams. However, one of the most fascinating stories belongs to Golden State Valkyries veteran Tiffany Hayes.
Hayes spent the majority of her professional career with the Atlanta Dream, establishing herself as one of the franchise’s most recognizable players. Now, at 37 years old, she has an opportunity to capture her first WNBA championship against the organization where she spent more than a decade.
Golden State will face Atlanta in the best-of-seven WNBA Finals beginning Saturday, Oct. 17, at Chase Center. For Hayes, the matchup represents an extraordinary full-circle moment.
Hayes helped define an era in Atlanta
Hayes began her WNBA career with Atlanta in 2012 and remained with the organization through the 2022 season. During that stretch, she developed into an accomplished scorer and earned an All-Star selection in 2017.
A FULL-CIRCLE FINALS MOMENT 🔄 Drafted by Atlanta in 2012. Part of the Dream’s last Finals run in 2013. Now, Tiffany Hayes faces the team where it all began with a championship on the line! https://t.co/O4BeMPKgqY
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 12, 2026
She also helped Atlanta reach the 2013 WNBA Finals, although the Dream ultimately fell short of winning the championship. Her career eventually took her to Connecticut and Las Vegas before she joined Golden State for the franchise’s inaugural season in 2025.
Hayes briefly stepped away from professional basketball during her career but returned to establish herself as a valuable veteran contributor. She earned the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award with Las Vegas in 2024 before continuing her career with the Valkyries.
Golden State re-signed Hayes for the 2026 campaign, giving her another opportunity to pursue the championship that has eluded her.
Valkyries have already made WNBA history
Golden State’s appearance in the Finals is remarkable by itself. The Valkyries are only in their second season, yet they have already become the fastest expansion franchise in WNBA history to reach the championship series.
Golden State advanced by sweeping the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in the semifinals. Gabby Williams has been outstanding throughout the postseason, averaging 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and four assists entering the Finals.
The Valkyries also benefit from experienced contributors such as Hayes, whose understanding of postseason basketball provides another valuable dimension.
Atlanta, meanwhile, reached its first Finals since 2013 after sweeping the New York Liberty. Reese scored 22 points in the series-clinching victory, while Howard and Jordin Canada made important contributions.
MORE:Â Angel Reese’s WNBA Finals appearance comes with unexpected controversy for Atlanta Dream
An unforgettable championship opportunity
The Finals begin Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET in San Francisco. Golden State owns home-court advantage, while Atlanta will host Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena following adjustments to the original schedule.
Both franchises are pursuing their first WNBA championship.
For Hayes, the circumstances are particularly meaningful. She helped Atlanta compete for a title more than a decade ago. Now she could finally earn a championship ring by defeating that same franchise.
Whatever happens during the series, Hayes has already added another remarkable chapter to an impressive professional career. Winning four more games would make that story even better.
