WNBA Reschedules Game 6
The WNBA has changed the timing of Game 6 of the Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream to 12:30 PM ET on Thursday, October 29th, at State Farm Arena.
It’s unusual, really—a Finals game taking place in the middle of a weekday, not just any game, but one that could decide the series if one team wins the next two. Right now, the series is tied 2-2, with Game 5 planned for Monday night at Chase Center, the home of the Valkyries.
Originally, Game 6 was set for 8 PM ET at Gateway Center Arena, but in recent weeks, the Dream and the WNBA decided to shift Atlanta’s Finals games to the larger State Farm Arena, where the Atlanta Hawks, the NBA team, usually play.
ESPN’s Ramona Shelbourne was the first to report this shift to a bigger venue earlier in the day.
Reason Behind the Rescheduling
There’s a clear advantage in this rescheduling—Gateway Center accommodates just 3,500 fans, but State Farm can hold up to 17,000. Both Games 3 and 4 were initially slated for Gateway, but collaboration among the Valkyries, Dream, WNBA, NBA, and other parties made the move to State Farm possible. For example, the Hawks had to adjust their home opener to accommodate this change.
Both Games 3 and 4 were sold out, and Angel Reese, a key player for the Dream, acknowledged how much the fans contributed to their success in Game 3.
“Our fans were incredible,” she remarked. “They were loud and supportive the entire game. Atlanta, you really showed up, especially on a school night when so many of you have to work the next day. Thank you for your loyalty and enthusiasm.”
Then, a natural question arose: what about Game 6?
In an official statement, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that this significant game would also take place at State Farm.
“The excitement and energy we’ve experienced at State Farm Arena during Games 3 and 4 were spectacular. We’re thrilled to provide even more fans the chance to witness Game 6 with a championship on the line,” Engelbert mentioned. She expressed gratitude towards the NBA, the Dream, the Valkyries, the Hawks, State Farm Arena, and USA Network for their cooperation, which made this move happen.
Logistically, adjustments had to be made—an NBA game scheduled between the Hawks and the Cavaliers on Thursday night shifted to an 8 PM start time for the changes to work.
Challenges of the Afternoon Game
While this arrangement benefits attendance, it also presents a challenge: Game 6 will occur at 9:30 AM PT, which is the start of the workday for those on the West Coast cheering for the Valkyries.
According to Shelbourne, there was consideration for shifting Game 6 to a Friday and then Game 7 to the following Tuesday at Chase Center; however, stakeholders ultimately agreed on the Thursday afternoon slot.
Now, with Game 6 in the afternoon, there’s likely to be a drop in TV ratings, and it remains to be seen how in-person attendance will be affected. The Dream easily filled State Farm on a Wednesday and a Saturday, but a midday Thursday game poses different challenges.
Shelbourne noted that had there been earlier discussions about rescheduling, perhaps the game could have been set for a different time.
“If these requests had been made a couple of weeks ago, it seems like more could’ve been accomplished,” she pointed out, referring to the complication of having three days between Games 5/6 and 6/7, as well as potential issues regarding Election Night.
The conclusion is clear: the Dream, WNBA, and other key groups should have made earlier adjustments. Now, the crucial game of what has been a record-breaking WNBA season might unfold in the middle of the workday, potentially impacting viewership and the atmosphere at the arena.
