The father of Golden State Valkyries star Tiffany Hayes expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of a potential championship-clinching game by the WNBA. Renard Hayes openly criticized the league for scheduling the game at 12:30 p.m. on a Thursday. Speaking outside State Farm Arena before Game 6 against the Atlanta Dream, he attributed the issue to both the league and the Atlanta organization.
Fans had similar complaints. Many took time off work, pulled children from school, and traveled long distances for a game originally scheduled for 8 p.m. The WNBA shifted Game 6 to the afternoon to accommodate a doubleheader with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, who were to play the Cleveland Cavaliers that night. The Golden State Valkyries entered Thursday with a 3-2 series lead and a chance to win their first championship.
Renard Hayes, who traveled from Florida, managed to adjust to the early start but worried about others who couldn’t. He remarked, “It’s kind of a shame about how they couldn’t handle the situation better or couldn’t be more prepared.”
For fans watching from California, where the game began at 9:30 a.m., the timing presented additional challenges. Hayes mentioned that Golden State had previously moved a playoff game to San Jose as an example of having a backup plan. He questioned if the Dream’s regular home, Gateway Center Arena, could have held the Finals’ demand.
“We came from four hours away, so we’re not too thrilled. But we’re here,” noted a fan who had taken her child out of school for the game.
Some fans criticized the decision to give the evening slot to an NBA regular-season game rather than the WNBA’s potential championship decider. A Valkyries supporter argued for more respect and a prime-time spot for the women’s game. Despite objections, he appreciated playing in a larger arena.
Although not everyone opposed the early scheduling, some fans found ways to attend. A Valkyries fan who arrived from San Francisco at 6 a.m. dismissed any fatigue, stating, “No. We’re ready.” Meanwhile, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the sellout crowds at State Farm Arena and the opportunity to accommodate additional fans.
USA Sports, which aired the game on USA Network, acknowledged challenges in attracting a television audience during the daytime. “The daytime window isn’t perfect from a TV audience perspective,” a spokesperson commented, emphasizing their efforts to be a supportive partner.
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