The Atlanta Dream wrote an open letter Tuesday about the scheduling issues impacting Game 6 of the WNBA Finals, which has been rescheduled for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET.
The Atlanta Dream ownership group has released a statement regarding the matinee time change for Game 6, in part saying “playing a midday game on a Thursday is not what we would have chosen and not what we fought for.” The letter says they raised scheduling concerns to the league two months ago.
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) October 28, 2026
"Two months ago, when the WNBA finalized playoff dates and times, we raised concerns that the W Finals schedule conflicted with NBA games at State Farm Arena (the full-time home of the Atlanta Hawks)," the Dream's statement reads. "As we moved through the playoffs, we reiterated those concerns. Our concerns did not receive the attention, nor the urgency that they deserved."
The letter continued: "Playing a midday game on a Thursday is not what we would have chosen and not what we fought for."
Game 6 was originally scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, though this would have required the Dream to host the Golden State Valkyries at their regular home venue, the Gateway Center, which has a 3,500-seat capacity.
Instead, the game will be held earlier at State Farm Arena, which can accommodate 17,000 fans. The Hawks host the Cleveland Cavaliers later that same day at 8 p.m. ET - a game that was pushed back an hour to accommodate the potential WNBA series clincher.
The Dream have played all of their home postseason games at State Farm Arena.
"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," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement Monday. "We thank the NBA, Dream, Valkyries, Hawks, State Farm Arena and USA Network for the collaboration and flexibility that made this move possible. We look forward to delivering another unforgettable Finals experience in Atlanta."
The Valkyries lead the series 3-2 and could clinch their first WNBA championship in just their second season. While the game is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. local time, Golden State fans on the West Coast will need to tune in at 9:30 a.m. local time.
Game 7 is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m. ET at Chase Center in San Francisco.
