2026 Buzzardball Championship Game Summary

Golden 1 Center – Sacramento, California

Championship night at Golden 1 Center thrilled everyone. The 2026 Buzzardball 34-WNBA Championship featured a dramatic finish. The Las Vegas Aces capped off a perfect season, defeating the Sacramento Monarchs 21–18 in a nail-biter.

The game started tightly. Both teams exchanged leads, resulting in six ties. With five minutes left, the Monarchs surged ahead. A strong 6–0 run gave Sacramento a 16–12 lead. They seemed poised for an upset.

But the Aces fought back.

Camille Vaughan, the division's leading scorer, stepped up. She ignited a crucial 7–0 run with an improbable three-point play. This shifted momentum. The crowd at Golden 1 Center buzzed with excitement.

The Monarchs made one last effort. Ella Johnson scored late, bringing Sacramento within 19–18. The final moments were tense. Sacramento had a chance for the go-ahead basket, but the shot missed. The rebound led to a transition play for the Aces. Kenley Schaa finished the play, sealing the 21–18 victory and completing an undefeated championship season.

Vaughan led the Aces with 9 points. Phoenix Shu added 4 points. For the Monarchs, Ella Johnson and Kate Grandinetti each scored 8 points.

This game delivered everything expected from a championship night — drama, resilience, and a comeback worthy of the Golden 1 Center stage. The Las Vegas Aces left as champions, with a perfect season to remember. 🏀🏆

2026 Buzzardball 56-WNBA Championship Game Summary

Golden 1 Center continued the excitement with the 56-WNBA Buzzardball Championship. This game was dubbed the game of the night. The New York Liberty pulled off a stunning late comeback, defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 19–16.

The Liberty did not lead until just 19.4 seconds remained. Rose Gonzalez made the moment count. She secured a rebound and finished a clutch putback basket, giving New York a 17–16 advantage. Remarkably, these were her only points of the game, but they proved crucial.

The momentum shifted quickly. The Liberty became the 2026 56-WNBA Champions.

Both teams entered the championship with identical records. They had split their two regular-season meetings, each winning by two points. The intensity reflected two evenly matched teams battling for the title.

The Sparks came out strong, jumping to an 8–0 lead. Harper Blankenship and Raya Rendlich-Texidor each contributed baskets. The Liberty responded with a 7–0 run, tightening the game.

Los Angeles regained momentum, scoring the next six points to extend their lead to 14–7 early in the second half. When the Sparks pushed the score to 16–11, it seemed they were in control.

Championship games often hinge on one final surge.

The Liberty delivered. They scored the final eight points of the game. Gonzalez’s putback gave New York its first lead. LeaRae Luna calmly knocked down a free throw to seal the victory, completing the dramatic comeback.

Luna led the Liberty with 6 points. Kalina Axelson added 5 points. The division's leading scorer, Amaya Ocampo, contributed 4 points. For the Sparks, Raya Rendlich-Texidor led with 6 points.

This championship night was filled with excitement. The 56-WNBA title game delivered a finish that will be remembered for years — a last-second lead change, a clutch rebound, and a team that saved its best run for the biggest moment. 🏀🏆

2026 Buzzardball 78-WNBA Championship Game Summary

The 2026 Buzzardball Girls 78-WNBA Championship celebrated a unique season. Fifteen girls formed one team all year. Coaches Robert Reilly and Jed Lucey split the roster each week. This created competitive matchups and memorable games.

For the eighth—and final—time this season, the group took the court together. This time, they played on the biggest stage at Golden 1 Center. It brought a fitting close to an outstanding season.

In the championship matchup, the Dallas Wings (Green Team) defeated the Dallas Wings (White Team) 28–16. The game showcased the talent and camaraderie that defined the division all year.

The Green Team led wire-to-wire. They built momentum early. An 8–2 first-half run helped establish a 12–4 lead. Later, another 10–4 surge extended the advantage to 24–12. The Green Team maintained control the rest of the way.

The division’s leading scorer, Beatrice Walter-Pickens, paced the Green Team with 11 points. Sara Manzo led the White Team with 8 points, keeping the game competitive.

However, the final score told only part of the story.

This championship was about a season of growth, teamwork, and friendship. The group shared one roster, one season, and one final moment together on the floor at Golden 1 Center.

It was a perfect way to close championship night and cap off a terrific season for the girls of the 78-WNBA Division. 🏀🏆