WNBA Finals Game 6 Moved to Afternoon, League Silent on Reasoning

The WNBA has moved Game 6 of the Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries from its scheduled prime-time slot to a 12:30 p.m. ET start on Thursday. The league has not provided an explanation for the change, which shifts the potential championship-clinching game to an afternoon weekday slot.

Game 6 will take place at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where the Valkyries lead the best-of-seven series 3-2. Golden State can secure its first WNBA championship with a victory. Should the Dream win, Game 7 would be played Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in San Francisco.

Arena Scheduling Conflict

The primary reason cited for the schedule adjustment is a conflict with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, who are scheduled to host the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena later that same evening. The Hawks agreed to move their start time to 8 p.m. to accommodate the WNBA game and allow for the arena turnaround. A similar arrangement was used for Games 3 and 4, with the WNBA games played in the afternoon before the Hawks' evening contests.

Moving the game to State Farm Arena, which has a capacity of over 3,500 more seats than the Dream's regular home, Gateway Center Arena, allows for a larger audience. Sellout crowds have attended Games 3 and 4 at the larger venue.

League Response and Alternatives

OutKick has repeatedly sought comment from the WNBA and USA Network, the game's broadcaster, regarding the scheduling decision, the alternatives considered, and the potential impact on viewership. The league has not responded to these inquiries. While one option reportedly considered was playing Game 6 on Friday and a potential Game 7 on Tuesday, Nov. 3, the WNBA opted to keep Game 6 on Thursday, preserving the possibility of a Halloween Game 7.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm for keeping the championship game in the larger State Farm Arena, highlighting the opportunity for more fans to attend. She also extended thanks to the NBA, the teams, the Hawks, State Farm Arena, and USA Network for their cooperation.

Despite the league's statements on accommodating fans, the shift to a weekday afternoon start time raises questions about accessibility for working fans and television audiences, particularly for those on the West Coast who will have to tune in at 9:30 a.m. PT. The announcement of the schedule change was made on Monday, just three days before the game, with tickets going on sale that same afternoon. The WNBA has stated it will work with its broadcast partners on a coordinated marketing campaign to promote the new start time.