How The Atlanta Dream Escaped Arena Drama Days Before WNBA Finals Begin

USA Basketball

The Atlanta Dream narrowly escaped the arena drama surrounding their team just days before the WNBA Finals are scheduled to begin. On October 13, the league announced that the Dream, which is making its first finals appearance since 2013, will play at State Farm Arena in Georgia. However, it didn’t come without sacrifice. According to sources, part of the WNBA Finals schedule has been changed to accommodate all parties.

The Atlanta Dream Narrowly Escape Arena Drama Days Before WNBA Finals Are Set To Begin

The Atlanta Dream released a joint statement today announcing that Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA Finals will be played at State Farm Arena in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Game 3 will now be played Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m., while Game 4 will be Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m.

“Relocating Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA Finals from Gateway Center Arena to State Farm Arena was a complex undertaking that required extraordinary collaboration to navigate numerous challenges in a short period of time,” the statement read.

“The Dream is grateful to the Golden State Valkyries, the Hawks, the NBA, the WNBA, and both leagues’ broadcast partners. Without their focus and flexibility, this would not have happened,” the statement continued.

The Dream Says This Is An Important Step As Interest In The WNBA Continues To Grow

The latest news comes days after the Dream, the WNBA, and the Atlanta Hawks faced backlash from fans and viewers after reports revealed the women’s basketball team would have to play their finals games at the 3,500-capacity Gateway Center rather than the 17,000-capacity award-winning arena. Had State Farm Arena not become available, ticket prices would’ve been higher than average and would’ve iced out eager fans.

The Dream organization recognizes the sacrifice and said in their statement that adjusting the schedule “is an important moment” not only for the players, but for the fans. “[It’s also] a testament to the extraordinary momentum of the team, women’s basketball, and the growing impact of women’s sports.

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Atlanta Hawks Owner Urged The Team To Find A Way To Make Room For The Dream

Speaking to ESPN, the Atlanta Hawks CEO said the NBA team’s ownership urged them to do “everything in our power” to make it work, saying it’s “great for basketball in Atlanta.”

“It’s great for the Dream. It’s great for State Farm Arena. We talked to everybody from executives at State Farm to the league to the TV networks, and everyone had major conviction: let’s do everything we can to make it happen,” Steve Koonin said.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert also chimed in, thanking those involved in making the change. “We are pleased that thousands more fans across the Southeast region will have the opportunity to experience the ultimate WNBA action — the WNBA Finals — in person,” she said.

This Won’t Be An Issue For The Atlanta Dream In Future Seasons

The arena challenges shouldn’t be an issue for the Dream moving forward, according to The Blast. Starting in 2027, State Farm Arena will be the Dream’s new arena for all home games. The move comes after the team has seen more than a 400% increase in season ticket members.

“Our players and our fans have transformed Gateway Center Arena into the most exciting experience in the WNBA. State Farm Arena gives us the opportunity to welcome thousands of additional fans while creating an even bigger stage for women’s basketball in Atlanta. We look forward to bringing the energy, traditions, and spirit of Gateway with us to the heart of our city,” Morgan Shaw Parker, COO of the Atlanta Dream, said.

Angel Reese Gets Real About Manifesting An Appearance In The Finals

USA Basketball

Following the Dream’s recent sweep of the New York Liberty to advance to the finals, Angel Reese spoke with the media and said she “manifested” the moment.

“When I came to Atlanta, I knew that I was getting,” she said. “This team has poured so much into me. We poured so much into each other. I posted and tweeted (on) 10/10/25 that I was manifesting the Finals and this is my moment. I’m supposed to be here. I thank God for this moment. And I’m just so thankful.”