Dream say WNBA finals concerns went unheeded as teams prepare for 12.30pm Thursday start

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, October 29, 2026

The Atlanta Dream have criticized the WNBA for not adequately addressing their concerns about venue and scheduling conflicts as they prepare to host Game 6 of the Finals at an early afternoon time to avoid clashing with an NBA game. This adjustment, necessary due to shared use of State Farm Arena, affects fan viewing times but aims to provide a larger audience and atmosphere for the pivotal match against the Golden State Valkyries.

The Atlanta Dream have expressed frustration that their concerns about securing an appropriate venue for the WNBA Finals were not adequately addressed, as they prepare to face the Golden State Valkyries in a pivotal Game 6 set for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

The Dream’s usual home court, Gateway Center Arena, has a seating capacity of approximately 3,500, which proved insufficient to accommodate the heightened demand during the championship series. Consequently, the team moved its first two home games to State Farm Arena, the much larger venue operated by the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, which holds over 17,000 spectators.

However, scheduling complications arose due to the Hawks’ own commitments. The team is hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers on the same evening, compelling the WNBA to shift Game 6 to midday. This early start means fans in California, where the Valkyries are based, will watch the critical contest at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time. The Golden State Valkyries currently lead the best-of-seven series 3-2.

In an open letter addressed to their supporters on Tuesday, the Dream acknowledged raising concerns about the scheduling conflict months prior, but stated these were not given sufficient consideration. “Two months ago, when the WNBA finalized playoff dates and times, we raised concerns that the W Finals schedule conflicted with NBA games at State Farm Arena. As we moved through the playoffs, we reiterated those concerns. Our concerns did not receive the attention, nor the urgency that they deserved,” the team wrote. The letter did not specify the individuals or league offices involved in those discussions.

According to ESPN, WNBA teams were informed of the playoff calendar as early as December 2025. Over the weekend, representatives from the WNBA, NBA, the Dream, the Valkyries, and broadcast partners engaged in talks to find a suitable resolution. Despite the scheduling challenges, the Dream expressed confidence that hosting the game at State Farm Arena on Thursday afternoon was the best available option to maximize fan engagement and provide a world-class atmosphere for this historic series.

“We believed that our fans and the city wanted the opportunity to be a part of this historic series, and to see it played on a world-class stage,” the team said.

The decisive game has stirred strong emotions from players on both sides. Golden State’s Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton urged fans to take time off work to watch the potential championship-clinching match in just the Valkyries’ second season in the league. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s Allisha Gray emphasized focus over scheduling concerns. “It’s the finals,” Gray said. “We just got to do what we’ve got to do. We are locked in on winning Game 6 whether it’s 8 a.m., 10 p.m., midnight. We got a championship to win.”

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.