WNBA Finals Schedule Adjusted for Atlanta Dream's Home Games
The league has moved and rescheduled games to accommodate the Dream's need for a larger venue than their original 3,500-seat arena.
The WNBA has made significant adjustments to the schedule of its championship series to ensure the Atlanta Dream can host their home games in a venue befitting the Finals. The Dream will now play their home games against the Golden State Valkyries at the 17,000-seat State Farm Arena, the home of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks, rather than their usual 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena.
This change comes as the Dream seeks its first WNBA title. The decision to move the games required extensive coordination between the Dream, the Hawks, and the WNBA, along with broadcast partners.
Schedule and Venue Adjustments
Games 3 and 4 of the Finals have been specifically rescheduled to facilitate the move to State Farm Arena. Game 3 will now take place on Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. ET, moved from its original date of October 22. This shift avoids a conflict with a concert scheduled at State Farm Arena. Game 4 is now set for Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. This earlier start time allows it to serve as the first part of a basketball doubleheader, accommodating the Atlanta Hawks' regular-season home opener.
The Hawks have agreed to push back their game against the Houston Rockets by half an hour to allow the Dream's Game 4 to proceed as planned.
A potential Game 6, scheduled for October 29, is still slated to be held at the Gateway Center Arena. However, the primary home games for the Finals will be at the larger venue.
A Growing Partnership
The Atlanta Dream has utilized State Farm Arena for six regular-season games and three playoff contests this season. The team also recently announced that State Farm Arena will serve as its permanent home venue starting next season. This transition reflects the team's growth and the increasing popularity of women's basketball in Atlanta.
"Relocating Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA Finals from Gateway Center Arena to State Farm Arena was a complex undertaking that required extraordinary collaboration to navigate numerous challenges in a short time period," the Dream said in a statement. "The Dream is grateful to the Golden State Valkyries, the Hawks, the NBA, the WNBA, and both league's broadcast partners. Without their focus and flexibility, this would not have happened."
The statement continued, "Ensuring that Games 3 and 4 of the Finals will be played at State Farm Arena is an important moment for the Dream's players, fans, the organization and the city of Atlanta and is a testament to the extraordinary momentum of the team, women's basketball and the growing impact of women's sports."
Team Performance and Roster
The Dream reached the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013. This current roster features prominent players such as Angel Reese, Jordin Canada, Rhyne Howard, and Allisha Gray. The team also added veteran DeWanna Bonner, who brings valuable playoff experience.
Atlanta reached the Finals in 2010, 2011, and 2013, but were swept in each appearance. This season's team boasts a different dynamic with its mix of stars. Allisha Gray, the team's leading scorer, sustained a hand injury during the semifinals, and the time off before the Finals may benefit her recovery.