3,500-seat gap drives WNBA Finals scheduling dispute in Atlanta

Gateway Center Arena holds 3,500 fans, a capacity that falls short for a WNBA Finals contest. The Atlanta Dream owners issued an open letter on Tuesday objecting to the league's decision to schedule Game 6 for 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. The timing creates a logistical conflict at State Farm Arena, where the team is currently playing all its postseason games.

The Dream moved their home games to the 17,000-seat State Farm Arena because their home venue is the smallest in the league. Sharing the building with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks has caused repeated scheduling issues. A Sombr concert and a Hawks game forced the league to shift Game 3 from October 22 to October 21. Game 4 was moved to 1 p.m. ET to accommodate a Hawks doubleheader against the Houston Rockets, which was pushed to 8 p.m. ET.

Game 6 presents a similar challenge because the Hawks are scheduled to play home games on both Wednesday and Thursday this week. The league selected an afternoon start to keep the Dream in the larger arena. Owners stated they raised these potential conflicts two months ago when the league finalized playoff dates. They noted that these concerns did not receive the attention or urgency they deserved.

The ownership group wrote that a midday Thursday game was not what they chose or fought for. They thanked fans for their patience, acknowledging the game will take place on a workday and a school day. The letter also thanked the Hawks and State Farm Arena for adjusting their schedules three times to accommodate the Dream.

Owners suggested the league may have assumed the Dream would not advance this far in the postseason. They stated the team has earned the right to be taken seriously and expect the planning to match their competitive level. The timing has drawn criticism from outside observers, including CBS Sports analyst Lindsay Gibbs. The start time is lunchtime in Atlanta and early morning in San Francisco, home of the opposing Valkyries.

If the Valkyries win Game 6, the arena must be cleared quickly for the Hawks game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, set for 8 p.m. ET. ESPN reported that a Valkyries victory could force their championship celebration into a practice gym rather than the main court, breaking with tradition.

The Dream need a victory in Game 6 to advance. The game will be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. The Hawks are scheduled to host the Cleveland Cavaliers later that same day.