SAN FRANCISCO – The WNBA scheduling Game 6 of the Finals at 12:30 EST (9:30 PST) on Thursday puts the fans in the difficult situation of choosing between watching their favorite team fight for a championship or focusing on their jobs on the morning of a workday, following the league's chaotic logistical scramble to ensure the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream play at State Farm Arena.
But Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase is confident that the Golden State fans will still be sending their good vibes, even if they have to hide their phones from the watchful eye of their bosses.
“I'm focused on Game 5. But the beauty of the Ballhalla– they'll sacrifice,” Nakase said when asked if it is disheartening that their fanbase will have to follow along with the Valkyries during working hours. “They're gonna sacrifice. They're gonna open that app. They're gonna open their phone. They're gonna watch. I have no doubt that everyone who has been supporting us through this whole way.”
In a situation where there were no perfect solutions, brought about due to the lack of foresight from many of the decision-makers involved, the league's decision to schedule Game 6 speaks to their priorities. It's clear the WNBA didn't want to play in the tiny College Park Arena, opting instead to secure an NBA-level stage for the Finals above all else.
And given the thunderous environments of Games 3 and 4, it makes sense why the league prioritized that desire. And that desire has already borne fruit, with The Athletic's Annie Costabille reporting that more than 10,000 tickets had been sold 90 minutes after going on sale; there are still several challenges with playing a matinee game right before the Atlanta Hawks tip-off against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 pm EST.
Still, the scheduling of Game 6 leaves a lot to be desired from an optics perspective.
With a close-out opportunity on the line for whoever wins Game 5, it's quite possible the 2026 WNBA Champion will be hoisting the trophy in the middle of the afternoon. And because the entire arena has to flip the court for the Hawks-Cavs game and clear out on time, questions remain about where they would hold a potential trophy celebration and conduct post-game media availability. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne even said they might hold the ceremony on a practice court, which would be unheard of in any other professional sports league.
Additionally, USA Sports says that Game 6 will not simulcast on CNBC because it will be during market hours. Instead, it will air on their E! and Syfy channels, making it even more difficult for fans to watch the game.
Reactions to the Valkyries-Dream tip-off time from around the league
Online, WNBA fans, pundits, reporters, and analysts are unified in their outrage over the scheduling change's downsides. It has also opened the door for WNBA detractors to express their dislike of the league and continue to openly diminish its credibility and status.
Article Continues BelowWhen asked a similar question to the one Nakase received, Atlanta head coach Karl Smesko expressed excitement that the Dream will play in an arena with a 17,000-fan capacity but also acknowledged the situation's difficulties.
“I don't have a lot of comment on that. I'd like to see it be a national holiday for all WNBA championship games,” Smesko said ahead of Game 5. “So whatever somebody can do, I hope every everybody gets to see it somehow. And I know that you know for some people it's not realistic. They have jobs and won't be able to make it. So I'm disappointed for that. But you know I'm really hopeful that as many people can see the game as possible.”
For a league with historic interest that only continues to grow, it's a move that certainly dampens the allure of what should be a golden moment for the WNBA. But Nakase isn't worried about viewership, expressing confidence that Valkyrie fans will show up, as they've done all season long.
“Everybody's gonna watch, and that's really important. That's what we do in Golden State. We sacrifice for the betterment of our team, and our fans. I ain't worried about it. Our fans are gonna show up, show out, and like I said, we play for them because they show up, show up. They don't ever miss a beat, and when I've ask for a more aggressive home, they delivered, so they're consistent.”