The Atlanta Dream will no longer have to worry about playing their first WNBA Finals in 13 years in front of a limited home crowd after the Atlanta Hawks helped resolve a complicated scheduling dispute.
The WNBA confirmed that Games 3 and 4 against the Golden State Valkyries will take place at State Farm Arena, giving Atlanta access to a venue capable of holding more than 17,000 spectators.
Angel Reese celebrates historic WNBA Finals run with stylish night out
The agreement required adjustments to both the championship schedule and the Hawks' upcoming NBA home opener, ending uncertainty that had frustrated Dream supporters ahead of the series.
Game 3 has been moved to Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. ET, while Game 4 will begin at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 24.
Atlanta Hawks make room for Dream
Atlanta normally plays at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, a considerably smaller facility with seating for approximately 3,500 fans.
That capacity became a major concern when the Dream advanced to the Finals, particularly given the opportunity to showcase women's basketball to a much larger audience.
However, State Farm Arena already had commitments involving a concert by Sombr on October 22 and the Hawks' home opener two days later.
The revised arrangement allows the Dream to use the building before the Hawks take the court at 8:30 p.m. ET on October 24.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert welcomed the cooperation between the teams, arena management and broadcast partners.
"We are grateful for the efforts made by numerous stakeholders, including the Dream, the Valkyries, the Hawks, State Farm Arena, and NBC Sports and USA Sports," Engelbert said.
"The change of venue dramatically expands the seating capacity and ensures that the Dream will be able to provide an extraordinary atmosphere for the first WNBA finals game to be played in the Atlanta market since 2013."
Historic championship opportunity
The agreement represents another milestone for a Dream team enjoying its most successful postseason in more than a decade.
Led by Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada, Atlanta reached the championship series after sweeping the Washington Mystics and New York Liberty.
The franchise's impressive run has increased interest in its home games, making the larger venue particularly important for supporters hoping to witness a potential championship.
Hawks executive Andrew Saltzman acknowledged the significance of the occasion and emphasized the organization's desire to support its fellow Atlanta franchise.
"We are thrilled that we will be able to accommodate the Dream as they host Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA finals at State Farm Arena," Saltzman said.
"Playing for a championship is special, and we want the Dream to feel the full support of the city during this amazing run."
Important step for women's basketball
The arrangement also provides an early glimpse of Atlanta's future, with the Dream already announcing plans to move all home games to State Farm Arena next season.
The franchise previously used the venue for six regular-season games and three home playoff contests, demonstrating its growing relationship with the Hawks organization.
One question remains unresolved, however, with a potential Game 6 presenting another scheduling conflict because the Hawks have a home game on October 29.
The Finals begin Saturday in California, but Atlanta now knows its first two home championship games will take place on a stage befitting the occasion.