WNBA Finals: Angel Reese headlines championship showdown as league seeks to draw viewers without Caitlin Clark

The WNBA didn't get Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham in the Finals, but it may have gotten the next best thing in terms of viewership hopes.

Angel Reese’s Atlanta Dream face the Golden State Valkyries in a best-of-seven series beginning Oct.

17, matching a franchise seeking its first championship against an expansion team chasing a title in its second season.

Both organizations also bring distinctive cultural identities.

Atlanta’s players once campaigned against their own Republican co-owner, supporting Democrat Raphael Warnock.

Golden State has embraced LGBTQ outreach through Pride celebrations, drag performances and community partnerships.

Those histories offer another layer to a matchup with straightforward basketball questions: Can Golden State prevent Reese from creating second chances, and can Atlanta’s defense generate enough easy baskets to win the championship? CAITLIN CLARK'S LOWEST-RATED PLAYOFF GAME STILL OUTDREW EVERY NON-FEVER FIRST-ROUND BROADCAST These Finals could provide an indication of the WNBA’s current drawing power without Clark, and just how much star power Angel Reese has.

Reese brings a substantial following of her own.

Her Instagram account had approximately 5.3 million followers as of Oct.

10, which is the most of any WNBA player and more than one million more than Clark.

Her visibility extends beyond basketball.

She has a signature Reebok shoe and became the first female athlete featured in a national McDonald’s meal collaboration in 2025.

Those partnerships have put her name before consumers who may not regularly watch the WNBA.

Her first Finals appearance now offers an opportunity to see whether that recognition translates into viewers following her pursuit of a championship, with Clark and the Fever eliminated.