Angel Reese Headlines WNBA Finals as League Seeks Viewership Boost Without Caitlin Clark

The WNBA Finals will feature the Atlanta Dream against the Golden State Valkyries, a championship series that will be closely watched for its ability to draw viewers following the elimination of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The best-of-seven series begins Oct. 17, pitting a franchise seeking its first championship against an expansion team aiming for a title in its second season.

This Finals matchup presents a significant opportunity to gauge the WNBA's drawing power without its most prominent rookie. Angel Reese brings a considerable following, with her Instagram account boasting approximately 5.3 million followers as of Oct. 10, surpassing Clark's count. Her visibility extends beyond basketball through partnerships like a signature Reebok shoe and a national McDonald's meal collaboration in 2025, potentially reaching consumers who do not regularly follow the WNBA.

The series will also be broadcast across NBC, USA Network, and Peacock, adding a new dimension to comparisons with previous championship viewership. Last year's Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix averaged 1.5 million viewers across ABC and ESPN, the second-highest viewership for an ESPN-networked Finals behind 2024. For context, Indiana's first-round elimination averaged 2.25 million viewers across USA Network and CNBC, while Atlanta's semifinal opener against New York drew 1.2 million on ABC.

Team Histories and Activism

Both the Dream and the Valkyries possess distinct histories tied to social and political activism. The Atlanta Dream faced national attention in 2020 when then-co-owner Senator Kelly Loeffler opposed the WNBA's embrace of the Black Lives Matter movement. Loeffler advocated for replacing Black Lives Matter and "Say Her Name" warm-up apparel with American flags, stating, "The truth is, we need less — not more politics in sports." In response, Dream players wore "Vote Warnock" shirts to support Democrat Raphael Warnock in his election against Loeffler, whom he ultimately defeated in January 2021. The franchise's current ownership group, approved in February 2021, includes former Dream guard Renee Montgomery, who has been a vocal advocate for social justice and equality in women's sports.

The Golden State Valkyries, in their shorter history since beginning play in 2025, have cultivated a visible identity through LGBTQ+ outreach. Their initiatives include Pride Games featuring drag performances and community partnerships, earning recognition from organizations like Equality California and the National Center for LGBTQ+ Rights. Valkyries player Gabby Williams has publicly supported transgender athletes in women's sports, a stance echoed by coach Natalie Nakase, who stated, "I’m all about women, little girls deserving to play, and that includes trans women."

Leadership Transition and Future Outlook

This championship series marks the final one under WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who announced her retirement effective at the end of 2026. Her tenure concludes with a new seven-year collective bargaining agreement through 2032, providing a stable foundation for her successor. Throughout the season, issues such as officiating, player safety, and the debate surrounding transgender athletes in women's sports were focal points. The league addressed these through initiatives like an anti-hate task force and plans for a centralized replay center set to launch in 2027. The WNBA is also set for expansion, with new teams scheduled to begin play in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030).

The Basketball Matchup

Angel Reese, who averaged 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds during the regular season and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, faces a significant challenge from Golden State's Kiah Stokes. Stokes was instrumental in defending A'ja Wilson during the semifinals and secured 14 rebounds in a single game, setting up a key battle for positioning and second-chance points.

On the offensive end for Golden State, Gabby Williams has increased her scoring output in the playoffs, averaging approximately 23 points, a notable jump from her regular-season average of around 14. Atlanta will need to manage her scoring threat without compromising their defense on other Valkyries players.

Atlanta's Jordin Canada has also been a crucial facilitator, dishing out 11 assists in the game that clinched the Dream's Finals berth. Her ability to create opportunities for teammates like Tina Charles and Reese, or to score herself, will be vital against Golden State's top-ranked defense. The Valkyries won all three regular-season matchups against the Dream. Atlanta will look to leverage the late-season addition of DeWanna Bonner and the potential return of Allisha Gray from a hand injury, while Golden State aims to capitalize on its established team chemistry and defense.