Lunchtime Finals: Atlanta Dream Challenge 12:30 P.M. Start

State Farm Arena has become a focal point for a scheduling dispute that extends beyond the court. The Atlanta Dream face the Golden State Valkyries in Game 6 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday, October 29.

The contest is set to tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET, a sharp departure from the original 8 p.m. start. The WNBA stated that the earlier time is designed to accommodate an Atlanta Hawks NBA game scheduled for the same arena that evening.

In an open letter to fans, the Dream ownership group argued that potential conflicts with NBA fixtures at State Farm Arena were flagged two months prior. The owners contended that these warnings lacked the necessary urgency before the Finals schedule was finalized. They questioned whether the league had adequately factored in the possibility of Atlanta reaching the championship series.

The letter implied that the Dream may not have been a primary consideration in the planning process, though the owners stopped short of declaring a specific motive. They emphasized that the team arrived at this stage regardless of prior expectations. "Whatever the reason, the reality is that we are here," the group wrote, expressing disappointment with the afternoon shift.

The owners acknowledged the efforts of the Hawks and the arena, noting that the NBA team and venue adjusted their schedules three times. This cooperation was credited, yet the final outcome of a midday championship game remained a source of friction.

The unusual timing drew attention from outside the basketball world. Rapper Flavor Flav suggested that Thursday be designated a paid holiday so fans could attend. He shared a mock letter urging employers to release workers for the day.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton amplified the proposal on social media. Responding to Flav’s message about time off, she wrote: "I endorse this message."