The WNBA's scramble to move Thursday's Finals Game 6 to 12:30 p.m. ET

Key Points:

• Game 6 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries was moved to an unusual 12:30 p.m. ET time slot due to a scheduling conflict at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, which also hosts the Atlanta Hawks.
• The Dream could not secure an alternative arena for Game 6, leading to complex negotiations involving the WNBA, NBA, team ownership groups, and media rights holder Versant to find a solution.
• Various scheduling options were considered but rejected due to conflicts with NBA games, other events, and broadcasting commitments, resulting in the daytime slot despite concerns over reduced TV viewership.
• Both teams and players opposed playing at the smaller Gateway Center Arena or non-basketball venues like Mercedes-Benz Stadium, emphasizing the importance of a professional arena for such a critical game.
• The game will be broadcast live on USA Network, E!, and Syfy, with a rebroadcast in primetime, and while the daytime slot may reduce viewership, the league hopes the scheduling controversy raises awareness of the WNBA Finals.