WNBA Reschedules Key Championship Game to Thursday Afternoon

The WNBA has rescheduled Game 6 of the championship series between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries from a prime time slot to Thursday afternoon. This decision has raised questions that remain unanswered by the league. Originally planned for 8 p.m. ET, the game will now commence at 12:30 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena. For fans on the West Coast, the timing changes to 9:30 a.m. PT.

The change poses challenges for fans, as the game will still air on USA Network and Peacock despite the new timing. The Golden State Valkyries currently lead the series 3-2 and need a victory to clinch their first championship. A win for Atlanta would push the series to Game 7, scheduled for Saturday at 8 p.m. ET in San Francisco.

OutKick inquired about the role of Versant, USA Network’s parent company, in the scheduling. While the company confirmed the WNBA’s role in the decision, it did not clarify whether they approved or supported it. The rescheduling was influenced by a conflict with the NBA game hosting the Atlanta Hawks against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the same venue that evening.

State Farm Arena is more spacious compared to the Atlanta Dream’s regular home, Gateway Center Arena. While the larger venue enabled sellout crowds for earlier games, concerns remain about attendance for a weekday afternoon game. Reports indicate that moving Game 6 to Friday was considered, which would have pushed a potential Game 7 to November 3 in San Francisco.

ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne initially mentioned the possibility of relocating the championship celebration to a practice court if the Valkyries win Thursday, due to the NBA’s arena needs. However, a resolution has been made to ensure any championship celebration occurs on the court.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the benefits of maintaining the game at State Farm Arena, citing past sellout crowds and a vibrant atmosphere. The Commissioner also thanked collaborating organizations for their flexibility but did not address why the prime time slot was altered. Engelbert acknowledged that while additional seats are available, the new timing may inconvenience fans and reduce the television audience.

With the announcement made just days before the game and ticket sales starting on the same afternoon, the WNBA plans to partner with the NBA and broadcasters for a marketing push to inform fans of the schedule change. Despite promotional efforts, the early weekday timing could still impede viewership. The league is encouraged to clarify its decision-making process to its fans. Reporter Dan Zaksheske at OutKick shares this story.