Game 6 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries is scheduled for an early afternoon tipoff on Wednesday, a scheduling decision prompted by a conflict with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks. The game will begin at 12:30 p.m. local time in Atlanta.
This early start, which translates to 9:30 a.m. in Northern California where Valkyries fans reside, contrasts sharply with the evening primetime slot for Wednesday's decisive Game 5 of the World Series. Major League Baseball typically aims to maximize its audience with later start times for critical playoff games. The WNBA's early start time has drawn criticism as the league and its teams aim to gain mainstream traction, with such scheduling conflicts being labeled as "minor league moments" that should not persist.
If the Dream force a Game 7 by winning Wednesday's contest, potential fans in Georgia might find themselves watching the game during work hours, while those in California would face an even earlier start. The scheduling conundrum highlights the challenges WNBA teams face in securing adequate arena time and desirable broadcast slots, even during their championship series.