Valkyries stars tells fans to ‘call in sick’ for Game 6 as early WNBA Finals tipoff sparks fan reaction
WNBA Finals Game 6 Moved to Early Afternoon, Fans React Across the Country
ATLANTA, GA. — Thursday’s WNBA Finals Game 6, the match that could crown the league’s champion, will begin at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, a shift that has sparked comments from players, coaches, and fans nationwide. The change was made to give State Farm Arena enough time to prepare for an NBA game later that evening.
The Golden State Valkyries, who won Monday’s Game 5 in San Francisco, hold a 3‑2 series advantage over the Atlanta Dream. A victory in this game would give the Valkyries a sweep and the title. With the tip‑off moved to the early afternoon, the game will start at 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time for fans in California, a schedule that may conflict with work and commuting.
“We’ll have a day off that day, so, yeah, I’ll be watching,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, who plans to tune in even if it means eating breakfast while the action unfolds. The early start has not dampened enthusiasm, however. The Valkyries have sold out every game in the series since the franchise’s debut last year, and their fan base has shown a willingness to adjust.
Shaunice Christmas‑Miller, a longtime supporter who has attended every home playoff game at Chase Center, said she and her wife Kendall will still make the trip. “Absolutely, they will definitely find a way,” she told reporters. “They should have thought ahead for the whole seven‑game series. The women deserve primetime slots.”
Co‑owner Peter Guber expressed confidence that the devoted crowd will show up, even if morning traffic heads into San Francisco for a watch party. Supporters are also being invited to gather outside Chase Center’s Thrive City viewing area, beneath a large screen that will show the action in real time.
The early tip‑off has attracted social media criticism. Ole Miss women’s coach Yolett McPhee‑McCuin took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice her frustration: “I’d rather play anywhere else than have a 12:30 tip for a WNBA FINALS game, man! Not a good look! For fans and for the players. Just my 2¢s that no one asked for.”
The change has also sparked playful responses from the Valkyries. Point guard Veronica Burton quipped, “Call in sick, I recommend it.” Teammate Kiah Stokes added, “Yeah, right? Y’all know how to fake a cough, didn’t we all do that?” Despite the humor, coach Natalie Nakase and the players have emphasized that they will focus on the game itself, acknowledging that schedule shifts are beyond their control.
Guard Kaila Charles offered a more positive view of the larger venue. “I think it’s a good thing that we’re able to play in a bigger arena so that they can have more people come and support women’s basketball,” she said.
The WNBA has seen record viewership numbers in recent years, and the Finals are no exception. While the league has traditionally scheduled high‑stakes games for prime time, the Thursday adjustment has not deterred fans from tuning in or attending in person.
The game, set to be played in State Farm Arena in Atlanta, is expected to be a decisive battle between the Dream and the Valkyries. As the series heads into the final stretch, the early afternoon start remains a point of debate, but for many the championship’s drama will unfold regardless of the clock.
