Dream ownership group voices frustration in open letter over WNBA Finals venue concerns

Key Points:

• Game 6 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries will be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET, an early start time that has drawn mixed reactions.
• The Atlanta Dream ownership expressed frustration in an open letter, stating their concerns about venue availability and scheduling conflicts were not adequately addressed and suggesting the league may have assumed Atlanta wouldn't reach the Finals.
• All of Atlanta’s home playoff games this season have been at State Farm Arena, which holds 17,000 fans, a significant increase from their usual Gateway Center Arena capacity of 3,500, with plans to permanently move there in 2027.
• Scheduling adjustments have impacted the NBA Atlanta Hawks, with game times shifted to accommodate the WNBA Finals, and options for moving Game 6 and 7 were limited due to other sporting events and Election Day.
• Despite the challenges, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised the sellout crowds and collaboration among stakeholders, while Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens encouraged local employers and schools to support fans attending or watching the game.