3,500 seats for WNBA Finals game? Valkyries, Dream deserve better than this embarrassment

The WNBA Finals are set to take place in starkly contrasting venues, highlighting the differences between the league's two franchises. Games 1, 2, and potentially 5 and 7 will be played at the state-of-the-art, 18,000-seat Chase Center, where the Golden State Valkyries have consistently hosted their home games. However, the Atlanta Dream, who will play Games 3, 4, and potentially 6, will be forced to use Gateway Center Arena, a much smaller 3,500-seat gym.

This disparity in facilities is an embarrassment for the WNBA, which has been rapidly gaining popularity and relevance. The Dream, a long-time WNBA team, are reportedly exploring alternative venues, such as Georgia Tech and Gas South Arena, but no other options have been presented. The lack of alternative accommodations reveals a lack of foresight and planning on the part of the league, potentially resulting in lost revenue and a diminished fan experience.