The WNBA Finals Game 6 between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will be played at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, the league announced Monday. The game, a potential title-clincher if the Valkyries win Game 5 on Monday, was relocated from an 8 p.m. ET start due to a scheduling conflict with the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena.
The Hawks’ game against the Cleveland Cavaliers was moved to 8 p.m. ET to accommodate the WNBA Finals, creating a doubleheader at the 17,000-seat arena. The Valkyries’ West Coast fans would need to watch the game at 9:30 a.m. PT, while the Dream aim to draw a large crowd despite the midday start time.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised the collaboration between the league, teams, and arena operators in a statement, emphasizing the opportunity for a larger audience. "The sellout crowds and extraordinary atmosphere of State Farm Arena for Games 3 and 4 were a tremendous success and we’re excited to give thousands more fans the opportunity to experience Game 6 with a championship on the line," she said.
The Atlanta Dream had previously played playoff games at State Farm Arena after moving from the smaller Gateway Center Arena (3,500 seats) to accommodate demand. However, the Thursday afternoon start time has drawn criticism from fans and observers, who argue it may limit attendance and viewership.
Game logistics and fan impact
The WNBA and Dream had explored multiple alternatives, including moving the Hawks-Cavaliers game to Friday, but this was ruled out due to back-to-back scheduling for both NBA teams. The league confirmed that Game 6 will air on USA Network and stream on Peacock as originally planned.
Fans have expressed frustration on social media, citing the midweek afternoon start time as impractical for attendance and viewership. Some noted that the move contradicts the league’s efforts to maximize fan engagement, particularly with star players like Angel Reese on the Dream roster.
Background and scheduling challenges
The WNBA Finals series had previously required adjustments, including moving Game 3 to avoid a concert conflict and shifting Game 4 to an afternoon tip-off to accommodate the Hawks’ home opener. The league’s decision to prioritize State Farm Arena’s larger capacity over an optimal start time reflects ongoing logistical challenges in coordinating with NBA venues.
The Valkyries lead the series 3-2 after Game 5 on Monday night. If they win, the championship will be decided in Atlanta on Thursday. If the Dream win, Game 7 would follow, though its scheduling remains undetermined.