WNBA Finals Game 6 Set for Noon Tipoff at State Farm Arena

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will play Game 6 of the WNBA Finals at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday at State Farm Arena.

The noon start time follows a request by the Dream to host the championship series in a larger venue than their home court. The team asked to move the games from Gateway Center, which holds approximately 3,500 fans, to the NBA’s State Farm Arena to accommodate rising interest in women’s professional basketball.

In an open letter to the city, the Dream stated that their concerns regarding venue availability for the Finals were not addressed. The organization noted that the solution of moving Game 6 to an earlier time was not their intended goal. They expressed a desire to play on a world-class stage due to the sellout crowds and atmosphere seen in previous games.

The NBA adjusted the Atlanta Hawks schedule to allow the WNBA to use the arena. The Hawks’ game against the Houston Rockets was originally scheduled for Saturday but moved to 8:30 p.m. to make room for WNBA Game 4. Additionally, the Hawks’ matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday was shifted to 8 p.m., one hour later than initially planned.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement on Monday praising the collaboration between the leagues and teams. She cited the success of Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena, noting the sellout crowds. Engelbert thanked the NBA, the Dream, the Valkyries, the Hawks, State Farm Arena, and USA Network for making the move possible for thousands more fans.

The 12:30 p.m. ET start creates a 9:30 a.m. local time for fans in the Bay Area. Golden State players Kiah Stokes and Veronica Burton suggested fans call in sick to watch the game. Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase indicated she was not concerned about where fans would choose to watch the broadcast.

Dream shooting guard Allisha Gray focused on the opportunity to win the championship regardless of the start time. She stated that the team is locked in on winning Game 6 whether it is 8 a.m., 10 p.m., or midnight.

The series is currently tied, with a championship on the line in this final contest. The game will be broadcast on USA Network.