Matinee WNBA Finals Game a 'Slap in the Face'

Key Points:

• The WNBA rescheduled Game 6 of the Finals to a 12:30 p.m. ET matinee on Thursday, moving it earlier from the usual 8 p.m. slot to allow the Atlanta Dream to host at the larger State Farm Arena instead of the smaller Gateway Center.
• This early tip-off time has drawn criticism from women’s sports bar owners, who say it negatively impacts their businesses and fan engagement, as many fans will be at work or school during the game.
• Clarissa Flores, owner of Chicago’s Level Sporting Club, expressed frustration that the league is making it harder for fans to watch the potential championship-clinching game, which threatens the livelihoods of businesses supporting women’s sports.
• Other bar owners, including those in Brooklyn, Portland, and Seattle, highlighted concerns about reduced attendance, lost revenue, and the potential negative impact on TV viewership numbers, which could harm the league’s growth.
• Despite challenges, some bars like Level Sporting Club plan to open early for the game, branding it as a remote-work event to support women’s basketball, even though it is an unusual and financially risky move.