Game 6 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream has been moved up to 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, a scheduling change made to give State Farm Arena enough time to prepare the building for an NBA game that evening. For fans in California, where the game begins at 9:30 a.m. PT, the early start has become a point of frustration and humor across social media and among the players themselves.
The Valkyries took a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series with a Game 5 win Monday in San Francisco, which means Game 6 could decide the WNBA championship. Championship games, especially potential title-clinchers, are usually played in prime time, so the Thursday afternoon slot has drawn attention. Even so, observers expect Valkyries supporters to tune in despite the timing, and the series has already produced strong viewership, with several Finals games drawing record ratings.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr said he plans to watch, even though he expects to be eating breakfast when the game tips off. « We'll have a day off that day, so, yeah, I'll be watching, » he said. Valkyries fans have supported the team closely since it began play as an expansion franchise last year, selling out every game. Shaunice Christmas-Miller and her wife, Kendall, have attended every home playoff game this season at Chase Center, and because their jobs allow them to work from home on Thursday, they plan to watch. Shaunice said the fan base would find a way to show up, though she added that the league should have planned earlier. « They should have thought ahead for the whole seven-game series, » she said. « The women deserve primetime slots. »
Valkyries co-owner Peter Guber was largely unconcerned that the home crowd would come together for the decisive game, despite challenges such as commuter traffic into San Francisco for a watch party. Supporters have been invited to gather outside Chase Center's Thrive City viewing area beneath the big screen.
Rapper Flavor Flav drew attention on social media Tuesday by posting a mock permission slip for workers to skip their jobs. « Thursday is a paid holiday. Because Flavor Flav said so, » he wrote. The note, signed by Flavor Flav with the titles « The World's Greatest Hype Man » and « Official Supporter of Women's Sports » beneath his name, requested excused absences for employees.
Ole Miss women's coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin was among those who criticized the schedule. « I'd rather play anywhere else than have a 12:30 tip for a WNBA FINALS game man! Not a good look! For fans and for the players, » she posted on X. Dream coach Karl Smesko also criticized the officiating in the series, calling it « just ridiculous, » while Angel Reese also questioned the refereeing. Separately, the Dream issued an open letter blaming the scheduling problems on the league, saying many of the issues could have been avoided.
Golden State players joked about the situation after practice. Guard Veronica Burton said, « Call in sick, I recommend it, » and teammate Kiah Stokes added, « Y'all know how to fake a cough, didn't we all do that? » Guard Kaila Charles said she believes the Valkyries will adjust, adding that the early start is a good thing because it allows the game to be played in a bigger arena so more people can support women's basketball.