Sold-out Atlanta Dream Finals game raises questions about scheduling, future of women's basketball – CBS News

Sold-out Atlanta Dream Finals game raises questions about scheduling, future of women’s basketball  CBS News

The Atlanta Dream will play one of the biggest games in franchise history Thursday afternoon, but the unusual start time is raising questions about whether arena scheduling has kept pace with the growing popularity of women The Atlanta Dream will play one of the biggest games in franchise history Thursday afternoon, but the unusual start time is raising questions about whether arena scheduling has kept pace with the growing popularity of women's basketball. Game 6 of the WNBA Finals against the Golden State Valkyries tips off at 12:30 p.m. at State Farm Arena. The Dream trail the best-of-seven series 3-2 and must win to force a decisive Game 7 in California on Saturday.

Despite the midday start, the Dream announced Wednesday that the game is sold out. According to the team, more than 10,000 tickets were sold within the first 90 minutes after tickets became available Monday. The sellout comes amid controversy over a scheduling conflict with the Atlanta Hawks, who host the Cleveland Cavaliers at 8 p.m. Thursday at the same arena. Game 6 was originally scheduled for 8 p.m. at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, where the Dream have played most of their home games since 2021. That facility seats approximately 3,500 fans, compared with about 17,000 at State Farm Arena. Moving the game downtown allows thousands