The Atlanta Dream's ownership group has expressed frustration over the logistical challenges and scheduling of the WNBA Finals, stating that their concerns regarding venue availability at State Farm Arena were not adequately addressed.
In an open letter released Wednesday, the Dream ownership, including Larry and Robyn Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and Renee Montgomery, highlighted that they raised issues about potential scheduling conflicts with NBA games at State Farm Arena months in advance of the Finals. They noted that these concerns were reiterated throughout the playoffs but did not receive the necessary attention or urgency.
The team's primary home court has been Gateway Center Arena, which has a capacity of 3,500 spectators, the lowest in the WNBA. However, for the postseason, the Dream have been playing their home games at the larger State Farm Arena, which can accommodate approximately 17,000 fans. The team recently announced plans to return to State Farm Arena for all home games starting in 2027.
The scheduling of Game 6 of the WNBA Finals, set for Thursday, was particularly contentious. The game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. ET, a weekday afternoon start that the Dream organization described as "not what we fought for." The ownership suggested that the scheduling difficulties may have stemmed from an assumption that the Dream would not reach the Finals.
"Perhaps it was assumed that the Dream would not make it this far. Perhaps, our place in the Finals was not accounted for," the letter stated. "Whatever the reason, the reality is that we are here. We earned our place in the Finals, and our city deserves the opportunity to show up for its team."
The scheduling changes have also impacted the Atlanta Hawks, the NBA team that shares State Farm Arena. Game 4 of the WNBA Finals caused a Saturday night Hawks game against the Houston Rockets to be moved to 8:30 p.m. Additionally, the Hawks' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday was rescheduled to 8 p.m. to allow arena crews time to prepare the venue following the WNBA Finals game.
Despite these challenges, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert commended the sellout crowds for Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena and expressed enthusiasm for accommodating more fans for Game 6. "The sellout crowds and extraordinary atmosphere at 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," Engelbert said in a statement. She also thanked the NBA, Dream, Valkyries, Hawks, State Farm Arena, and USA Network for their collaboration.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens encouraged employers and educators to allow flexibility for Dream fans on Thursday afternoon, suggesting they "extend a little grace" so fans can support their team. Tickets for Game 6 were reported to have sold out.
Discussions regarding playoff dates and venue arrangements reportedly occurred internally on December 4, 2025, with further talks involving the WNBA, the teams, the NBA, and broadcast partners taking place over the weekend leading up to the decision on the Game 6 schedule. Options considered included potentially moving Game 6 to Friday and Game 7 to Tuesday, though Tuesday, November 3, coincided with Election Day for the midterm elections. The Golden State Warriors also had home games scheduled for November 1 and 2.