The WNBA Finals are underway, and going into Game 5, the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are deadlocked at two games each.
In the best-of-seven game series, there is a possibility of one team winning Games 5 and 6 to be crowned champions at the conclusion of Game 6.
Thursday’s Game 6 already has been moved from 8:30 PM EDT to 12:30 PM EDT so that the Dream can pack in more home fams in the 17,000 person State Farm Arena, the home of the Atlanta Hawks. Previously the game was slated to be played in the 3,500 person Gateway Center Arena where the Dream normally play. However, there still could be a logistical issue if a trophy presentation is required after Game 6.
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Hawks game starts at 8 PM EDT
WNBA games tend to last two hours, but given the significance of this one, it could last longer depending on the situation, scoring, time outs, etc.
That means hosting a trophy celebration afterwards could be problematic. The arena will need time to be cleaned up and cleared out after that occurs and before the Hawks fans start arriving. Hawks season ticket holders can arrive 75 minutes before tip off, at 6:45 PM EDT.
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Trophy celebration could be moved
After moving the game to accomodate a larger fanbase, it would be unusual to move the trophy celebration out of State Farm Arena.
It is not a good look for the WNBA. With its growing popularity, it seems like someone should have considered these issues as the WNBA Finals conclude after the tipoff of the new NBA season.
Ramona Shelburne on what could happen if the WNBA title is won on Thursday: "That celebration may not actually be on that court. I’ve heard there are discussions about whether there’s enough time to turn the arena over in time for the fans to celebrate on the court. It could be moved to a practice court" Unreal man smh
— Oh No He Didn’t 🤯 (@ohnohedidnt24) October 26, 2026
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