WNBA makes mind-boggling decision to move Finals Game 6 to middle of workday
Arena scheduling conflicts
The Golden State Valkyries tied the Finals 2-2 by beating the Atlanta Dream in Game 4 on Saturday. Game 6 was scheduled for State Farm Arena, but the Atlanta Hawks also had a home game there that Thursday.
Earlier Finals games in Atlanta had already been adjusted around arena events. Game 3 moved up a day to avoid a concert, while Game 4 began at 1 p.m. ET so the Hawks could play that evening.
Two options considered
ESPN reporter Ramona Shelburne reported that the league was weighing two plans. One would put Game 6 at 12:30 p.m. ET Thursday, followed by the Hawks’ game at 8 p.m.
The other plan would have moved Game 6 to Friday and a possible Game 7 to Nov. 3 at Chase Center. The WNBA selected the Thursday schedule, keeping Game 7 on Halloween.
Trade-offs draw criticism
Moving Game 6 earlier lets the Dream play at State Farm Arena rather than the 3,500-seat Gateway Center. State Farm Arena has 17,000 seats, and the Hawks-Cavaliers game will start at 8 p.m. Thursday.
The article criticizes the decision for placing the first Game 6 in WNBA Finals history in a weekday afternoon television window. It argues that playing Friday would have better served television viewers, while the league’s choice prioritizes access to the larger arena.
A coordinated adjustment
The schedule change followed a weekend of discussions involving the WNBA, NBA, Hawks, State Farm Arena, Dream, Valkyries and broadcast partners. All three Finals games in Atlanta have required scheduling adjustments.
The article also links the choice to broader concerns about the league’s operations and television ambitions. It says the decision could be a defining moment in commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s tenure.
Key points
- Finals Game 6 will tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET Thursday at State Farm Arena.
- The Hawks-Cavaliers game is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the same arena.
- A possible Game 7 remains scheduled for Halloween at Chase Center.
- The afternoon start avoids using the Dream’s 3,500-seat Gateway Center but may limit television viewership.