Every Queer Player in the 2026 WNBA Championships
Meet the queer stars to watch as the WNBA crowns a new champion.
Well, this has certainly been one of the most unpredictable playoff seasons in WNBA history. From the Dallas Wings nearly pulling off an upset against the Valkyries to the Liberty taking down the No. 1-seeded Lynx, Atlanta’s triumphant rise, and the defending champion Aces’ fall, this postseason has been a roller coaster. For the first time since 2021, the WNBA will crown a champion other than the Aces or the Liberty.
As we head into the Finals, here are the queer players to keep your eyes on!
Golden State Valkyries
Tiffany Hayes
Having played all over the world, Tiffany “Tip” Hayes makes herself indispensable everywhere she goes. The veteran player has been averaging 13.8 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2 assists per game in the playoffs, scoring 21 points against the Aces in their game two matchup.
Gabby Williams
There is no question that the Valkyries would not have made it this far without the leadership of Gabby Williams. In a year, Williams has helped this team grow into a real contender while reaching her career-high scoring season with 14.4 points per game. Williams is also a winner off the court, as she is proudly always repping her fiancé, New York Liberty star Marine Johannés.
Cecilia Zandalasini
Italian small forward Cecilia Zandalasini has found her footing in the WNBA with the Valkyries. In her two years with the Bay Area team, Zandalasini went from averaging around five points per game to around nine, increasing her rebounding and assisting averages as well.
Atlanta Dream
DeWanna Bonner
In august, two-time WNBA champion and six-time All-Star DeWanna Bonner signed with Atlanta Dream following a rest-of-season contact buyout from the Phoenix Mercury. In her 17th season, Bonner hoped signing with the Dream would get her closer to a championship and now here we are. Bonner has been with Mercury star and WNBA legend Alyssa Thomas for about six years.
Jordin Canada
Two-time WNBA champion, Jordin Canada has been a force since her high school days. Now a veteran player (and musician), Canada is a vital part of the Dream, averaging 11.6 points, 7.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game.
After an unpredictable season watched by more viewers than ever before, a new champion being crowned for the first time in five season feels like the correct way to end this historic 30th season of the WNBA.
