WNBA moves up Game 3 of Finals by a day to allow Atlanta Dream to host Valkyries at State Farm Arena

The WNBA has advanced Game 3 of the Finals by a day to allow the Atlanta Dream to host the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena. This change will see the Dream play at the larger State Farm Arena, seating over 17,000 fans, instead of their normal home, Gateway Center Arena, which can only accommodate 3,500 fans. The series kicks off on Saturday in California.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed gratitude for the efforts of various stakeholders, including the Dream, Valkyries, Hawks, State Farm Arena, and NBC Sports and USA Sports. The move ensures thousands more fans in the Southeast region can witness the WNBA Finals in person. However, there are venue conflicts at State Farm Arena for Game 3 on Wednesday, Oct.

21, with a concert by Sombr on Oct. 22, and for Game 4 on Saturday, Oct. 24, when the Hawks hold their home opener on the night of the game. The Dream have previously moved several regular-season and playoff games to State Farm Arena, and plan to play all their home games there next season after signing a multiyear deal. It remains unclear where Game 6 would be held if the series extends beyond five games, as the Hawks have another home game at State Farm Arena on Oct.

29. The Valkyries also had a conflict with Game 2 on Oct. 19, when Doja Cat was set to perform at Chase Center in San Francisco, which was postponed to Oct. 25.