The Valkyries could clinch their first WNBA championship Thursday, but Game 6 will now tip off at 9:30 am Pacific, while a scheduling conflict with the Atlanta Hawks could force the team to celebrate on a practice court instead.
The WNBA announced Monday that Game 6 of the Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream will tip off at 9:30 am Pacific Thursday, after a scheduling conflict with the NBA's Atlanta Hawks forced the league to move the game from its previously scheduled 5 pm start, as SFGate reports. The change means the Valkyries' pursuit of their first championship will play out during the workday for Bay Area fans, some of whom may be unable to watch.
The Dream have used State Farm Arena, home of the Hawks, for their playoff and Finals games this season, after the league decided that their regular-season home at the much smaller Gateway Center Arena would be infeasible. State Farm Arena, which is home to the Hawks, seats more than 17,000 people, compared with roughly 3,500 at Gateway Center.
According to SFGate, the WNBA had already rearranged Games 3 and 4 to accommodate scheduling conflicts at the Atlanta arena. Game 3 was reportedly moved from October 22 to October 21, while Game 4 was moved from a 3:30 pm start to 1 pm Saturday. The league's original Finals schedule had been set months earlier with its national television partners, but the conflict involving Game 6 remained unresolved.
ESPN reported Sunday that several people involved in the scheduling discussions were frustrated that the issue had not been settled before Saturday's game. The league ultimately settled on a morning doubleheader arrangement similar to the one used for Game 4, with the Valkyries and Dream playing before the Hawks and Cavaliers took the court.
Bay Area News Group reports that the decision drew criticism from Valkyries supporters at Chase Center Monday, where a fan-made sign appeared on the video board during a timeout in the team's win over Atlanta.
“Move the Hawks game. Women = Prime Time.”
The message reportedly drew cheers from the crowd, reflecting frustration that a Finals game with a potential championship on the line would be pushed into a time slot that makes it harder for many fans to attend or watch.
Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase expressed confidence that the team's supporters would find a way to tune in to the game during their busy work days, according to the News Group.
“The beauty of Ballhalla is they’ll sacrifice,” Nakase said. “They’re going to sacrifice. They’re going to open that app. They’re going to open their phone. They’re going to watch.”
The early start will also reportedly affect Atlanta fans, who may also have to miss work to attend the game. Dream head coach Karl Smesko said he understood that the timing would prevent some people from watching.
“I know that for some people, it’s not realistic. They have jobs and won’t be able to make it, so I’m disappointed for that,” Smesko said, per the News Group. “But I’m really hopeful that as many people can see the game as possible.”
The scheduling dispute has reportedly renewed frustrations over the uphill fight women’s sports still face for equal visibility and respect, even as the WNBA draws record audiences and its players earn their place on the biggest stage.
Catherine, a Palo Alto fan who calls herself the Glitter Fairy, told the News Group the situation reflected the challenges women face in a world where men's sports often take priority.
“This is basically the story of women trying to make it in the world,” she said, speaking to the News Group. “It’s not about how badass we are. It’s trying to make it in a man’s world.”
Another fan told the outlet the league had made progress by moving Atlanta's playoff games into a larger venue, but the latest scheduling decision showed there was still work to do.
The “Valkyries Say Less” podcast condemned the scheduling decision as another example of women’s sports being treated as secondary, arguing that moving a WNBA Finals game to a morning slot limits the visibility and audience the players have earned. The post called on the league and others involved to explain why the championship game was being pushed out of prime time.
“You CANNOT claim to support the growth of the WNBA while scheduling its biggest moments like they’re an inconvenience,” the podcast wrote. “THESE ATHLETES ARE THE MAIN EVENT. ACT LIKE IT.”
There is also a question about what happens if the Valkyries win. Because the Hawks and Cavaliers are scheduled to play at State Farm Arena immediately after Game 6, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne speculated that the championship celebration may be moved to a practice court.
Ramona Shelburne on what could happen if the WNBA title is won on Thursday: "That celebration may not actually be on that court. I've heard there are discussions about whether there's enough time to turn the arena over in time for the fans to celebrate on the court. It could be moved to a practice court" Unreal man smh
— Oh No He Didn't ? (@ohnohedidnt24) October 26, 2026
The scheduling controversy comes as the WNBA continues to draw attention and set viewership records. Per the News Group, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is set to step down this offseason, leaving her successor to navigate the league's continued growth and the logistical challenges that accompany it.
Previously: Valkyries Win Game 4 of WNBA Finals, Venue Issue Now Looms For Game 6
