WNBA Finals Game 6 Moved to 12:30 p.m. in Atlanta Amid Arena Scheduling Dispute

Game 6 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries will tip off at 12:30 p.m. ET Thursday at State Farm Arena, after the NBA and WNBA arranged an early start so the building can be readied for the Atlanta Hawks' 8 p.m. ET game against the Cavaliers. The Valkyries lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 after winning Game 5 in San Francisco on Monday, so Thursday's game could decide the title. They had beaten the Dream 67-62 on Saturday to tie the series at 2-2. In an open letter to the city, the Dream said they raised concerns about conflicts with NBA games at State Farm Arena when playoff dates were finalized two months ago and again during the playoffs, but those concerns did not get the attention or urgency they deserved. The team said the early start was not what it had fought for. The game begins at 9:30 a.m. PT in California, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr said he plans to watch.

The New York Times, the left-leaning outlet here, leads with the logistics: the Dream hosting Game 6 at State Farm Arena Thursday afternoon, and the 67-62 win that guaranteed a sixth game. Its headline and excerpt omit the letter and any criticism. The right-leaning New York Post leads with the Dream's open letter, quoting its thanks to fans and its complaint about ignored concerns, and notes the Valkyries might have to celebrate in the Dream's practice facility. Fox News focuses on the early tipoff's effect on West Coast fans, Kerr's breakfast remark, record ratings and a Valkyries player urging fans to call in sick. Both sides agree on the time, venue and series state; they differ in that the left is schedule-focused while the right stresses conflict and fan reaction. ESPN also centers the letter, and Awful Announcing adds commentators calling the situation embarrassing.