WNBA Finals Game 6 is set for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Eastern

October 26 update: time and venue confirmed

Update, October 26: Atlanta's official Playoff Central now confirms Game 6 for Thursday, October 29, at 12:30 p.m. Eastern at State Farm Arena. Golden State leads the series 3-2 after its 64-55 Game 5 victory. The afternoon start supersedes the earlier 8 p.m. listing. The original Sunday report below is retained as dated history, not current travel guidance.

Original October 25 report

Atlanta will get another WNBA Finals game. Where it will be played, and whether its date changes, remained unresolved Sunday afternoon. The league's official Game 6 page still listed Thursday, October 29 at 8 p.m. Eastern when checked for this report.

Golden State's 67-62 win Saturday tied the best-of-seven series 2-2. That guarantees a return to Atlanta after Monday's Game 5 at Golden State. It does not guarantee a Game 7, and it does not settle the arena question.

The alternative was still a proposal

ESPN's Alexa Philippou and Ramona Shelburne reported Sunday that the leagues and teams were negotiating around a Hawks-Cavaliers game at State Farm Arena on Thursday. A Dream spokesperson told ESPN that Gateway Center Arena would host Game 6 if changes allowing a State Farm game cannot be arranged.

One reported proposal would move Game 6 to Friday, October 30 and a potential Game 7 from October 31 to November 3. ESPN reported that the WNBA would support that option if both teams agree. That is not an approved replacement schedule.

The larger building offers more room for fans. But rearranging the Finals also changes rest and travel for both finalists. ESPN reported Golden State concerns about the proposed gaps between games. The decision involves competitive logistics as well as seating capacity.

A familiar arena problem, with a tighter clock

There is already a precedent in this series. The WNBA's October 13 announcement confirmed State Farm Arena for Games 3 and 4, moved Game 3 from October 22 to October 21, and advanced Game 4's October 24 tip from 3:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern. The Hawks' home opener that evening also moved back half an hour.

Those were announced changes. Sunday's report describes negotiations. Keeping that distinction visible matters for anyone deciding when to travel, take time away from work or arrange a night at the game. A plausible solution is not yet a reliable itinerary.

What was on the calendar October 25

Game 5 remains Monday, October 26 at 8 p.m. Eastern, with Atlanta visiting Golden State. The Dream's Playoff Central lists USA Network, Peacock and CNBC. Thursday is still the official Game 6 listing, subject to the unresolved arrangements. Fans considering Game 6 should check the league and team announcements before treating any alternative date or venue as settled.

The basketball has ensured another game in Atlanta. The scheduling decision now has to give that game a dependable home.