All eyes were on Watkins taking the court for the first time since the 2024 NCAA tournament, and she delivered.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley look deeper into what defines the Golden State Valkyries’ culture and how that culture created a championship team. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Some have taken to calling Nakase a "basketball sicko." She calls herself an "obsession extremist." Regardless, everyone can now refer to her as a championship head coach now.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley break down what the Atlanta Dream should focus on moving forward in the offseason. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women's basketball writer Cassandra Negley break down the Golden State Valkyries' historic 2026 WNBA championship and the key factors that fueled their title run. They highlight the team culture that set the foundation for success, Natalie Nakase's ability to make critical adjustments, Gabby Williams' star power and Kiah Stokes' defensive impact in slowing down Angel Reese.

The Finals MVP, who scored 28 second-half points in Game 7, had one mission on Saturday night: "I can't lose."

This tense, historic matchup is what the WNBA had in mind when the league began the Finals format last season.

Here 's what you need to know before the season tips off.

Angel Reese was feeling the vibe after Atlanta's stunning early shooting display from 3 in a series that had been more of a rock fight.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley discuss the benefits of Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase switching up their starting lineup. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

The Valkyries can close out the series in Game 6 in Atlanta, but the matchup with the Dream will be about more than just X's and O's.

Yahoo Sports' Caroline Fenton and women's basketball writer Cassandra Negley discuss how different the Atlanta Dream's and Golden State Valkyries' cultures are, even though both teams are championship worthy. Catch the full conversation on the "Hoops 360" podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley discuss what the Atlanta Dream must do to beat the Golden State Valkyries and force a Game 7. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women's basketball writer Cassandra Negley break down the Golden State Valkyries' back-to-back wins in Games 4 and 5 to take a 3-2 series lead. They spotlight Kiah Stokes' impact on both ends of the floor and Natalie Nakase's savvy decision to shake up the starting lineup.

The standout defender hit three 3-pointers to provide much-needed offense as Golden State moved one win away from its first championship.

The third-year Defensive Player of the Year said she was frustrated after seeing her teammates "getting slapped to the ground or goggles knocked off" during Atlanta's Game 5 loss.

Golden State matched the Dream's physicality, energy and attitude to get back to its defensive identity and claim Game 4.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley detail how Angel Reese has turned criticism into fuel and argue that Reese would be Finals MVP if the series ended right now. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley discuss how a two-day break between Game 3 and Game 4 of the WNBA Finals could impact each team. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley discuss how much they loved seeing the offense light up more between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries in Game 3. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley highlight the clear impact veteran DeWanna Bonner has had on the Atlanta Dream’s championship chase. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. 

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley highlight the incredible atmospheres in Atlanta and Ballhalla for the WNBA Finals, and Cass highlights Ballhalla as one of the best post postseason crowds she’s ever seen. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley discuss Rhyne Howard's bounce-back Game 3 after a quiet start to the WNBA Finals. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Yahoo Sports’ Caroline Fenton and women’s basketball writer Cassandra Negley explains how tremendously Angel Reese has developed since being traded to the Atlanta Dream. Catch the full conversation on the “Hoops 360” podcast, and subscribe on Apple podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.