The short version
- The WNBA moved Game 3 of the finals up by one day and advanced the start time for Game 4 to allow the Atlanta Dream to utilize State Farm Arena.
- This venue change increases seating capacity from 3,500 at Gateway Center Arena to over 17,000, marking the first finals game in Atlanta since 2013.
- Scheduling conflicts with NBA games and concerts required adjustments for both teams, though a potential conflict for Game 6 remains unresolved.
The Women’s National Basketball Association has revised the schedule for its championship series to facilitate a venue change for the Atlanta Dream. The league moved Game 3 forward by one day and advanced the tipoff time for Game 4, enabling the Dream to host these matches at State Farm Arena rather than their usual home court. This logistical adjustment addresses the significant disparity in capacity between the two venues, allowing thousands of additional fans in the Southeast region to attend the games in person.
State Farm Arena, which serves as the home for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, offers a seating capacity of more than 17,000. In contrast, the Dream’s regular-season home, Gateway Center Arena, holds only 3,500 spectators. The shift to the larger venue is intended to create a more substantial atmosphere for the championship run. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert noted that the change expands seating capacity and ensures the team can provide an extraordinary experience for fans attending the first finals game in Atlanta since 2013.
The revised schedule places Game 3 on Wednesday, October 21, with a standard evening start time. Game 4 is now set for Saturday, October 24, but will tip off at 1 p.m. Eastern Time, which is two and a half hours earlier than originally planned. The series begins in California, with Games 1 and 2 taking place on October 17 and 19, respectively. If the series extends beyond four games, potential matchups are scheduled for late October, though specific venues for later games depend on further negotiations.
The scheduling adjustments were necessary to navigate existing commitments at State Farm Arena. Originally, there were conflicts with a concert by singer Sombr on October 22 and the Hawks’ home opener on the night of October 24. By moving Game 3 to Wednesday and advancing Game 4 to an afternoon slot, the league cleared these obstacles. Andrew Saltzman, president of business enterprise for the Hawks and State Farm Arena, expressed enthusiasm about accommodating the Dream, emphasizing the desire to support the team during their championship pursuit.
The Golden State Valkyries also faced scheduling hurdles at their home venue, Chase Center in San Francisco. A concert by Doja Cat was initially scheduled for October 19, coinciding with Game 2 of the finals. To resolve this conflict, the concert has been moved to October 25. This adjustment ensures that the Valkyries can host their games without interference from other major events at the arena.
Uncertainty remains regarding the location of Game 6 should the series reach that stage. The Hawks are scheduled to play a home game at State Farm Arena on October 29, which is the date currently assigned for a potential sixth matchup. It has not been confirmed whether this conflict will be resolved or if an alternative venue will be sought. The league and stakeholders have indicated flexibility, but no final decision has been announced regarding this specific contingency.
The Atlanta Dream’s presence in the finals marks a significant milestone for the franchise. Led by players including Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Jordin Canada, the team is making its first championship appearance in 13 years. They advanced to the finals by sweeping the Washington Mystics in the first round and defeating the New York Liberty, the 2024 champions, in the semifinals. This run has drawn considerable attention to the market and the team’s growing fanbase.
The Dream had previously utilized State Farm Arena for six regular-season games and three playoff home games during this season. The success of these events likely influenced the decision to move all home games to the larger venue next season, following a multiyear agreement signed earlier in October. This transition signals a long-term strategy to maximize attendance and revenue potential by leveraging the greater capacity of the NBA-affiliated arena.
Broadcasting arrangements for the series remain unchanged despite the schedule shifts. In the United States, games will air on NBC, USA Network, and CNBC, with streaming available via Peacock. International viewers in the UK can watch through Sky Sports, while Australian audiences have access to WNBA League Pass and selected ESPN coverage. The league expressed gratitude to all stakeholders involved in facilitating the complex logistical changes required to host the finals at State Farm Arena.
The adjustments highlight the growing complexity of scheduling high-profile sporting events in arenas that serve multiple purposes. As women’s professional sports continue to attract larger audiences, the need for flexible venue management becomes increasingly apparent. The WNBA’s ability to coordinate with NBA teams, concert promoters, and broadcasters demonstrates a collaborative approach to maximizing fan engagement and ensuring smooth operations during critical championship moments.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian US↗WNBA moves finals schedule to allow Atlanta Dream to play at larger arena
