The WNBA moved Game 3 of the Finals forward a day so the Atlanta Dream could host the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena. The league also moved up the tip-off time for Game 4 of the best-of-seven series.
The third match will now take place on Wednesday October 21. Game 4 will begin at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 24, two and a half hours earlier than originally scheduled.
The Dream had hoped to play at State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, which seats more than 17,000 fans, rather than their usual home, Gateway Center Arena, which seats only 3,500. The series begins Saturday in California.
“We are grateful for the efforts of many stakeholders, including the Dream, Valkyries, Hawks, State Farm Arena, as well as NBC Sports and USA Sports,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
“The change in venue significantly increases seating capacity and ensures that the Dream will be able to provide an extraordinary atmosphere for the first WNBA Finals game to be played in the Atlanta market since 2013. We are thrilled that thousands of additional fans in the Southeast region will have the opportunity to experience the ultimate WNBA action – the WNBA Finals – in person.”
Best-of-seven series. All times are Eastern.
Sat. October 17 Game 1: Atlanta at Golden State, 3:30 p.m. (NBC)
Monday October 19 Game 2: Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m. (USA/CNBC)
Wed. October 21 Game 3: Golden State at Atlanta, 8 p.m. (USA/CNBC)
Sat. October 24 Game 4: Golden State at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (NBC)
Monday October 26 Game 5: Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m.* (USA/CNBC)
Thu Oct 29 Game 6: Golden State at Atlanta, 8 p.m.* (USA/CNBC)
Sat. October 31 Game 7: Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m.* (USA/CNBC)
*-if necessary
How to watch
In the United States, the series will air on NBC, USA Network and CNBC, with all games broadcast on Peacock. In the UK it will be broadcast by Sky Sports. In Australia, fans can watch via WNBA League Pass, with select coverage also available via ESPN.
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Quick guide2026 WNBA Finals
To show
Calendar
Best-of-seven series. All times are Eastern.
Sat. October 17 Game 1: Atlanta at Golden State, 3:30 p.m. (NBC)
Monday October 19 Game 2: Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m. (USA/CNBC)
Wed. October 21 Game 3: Golden State at Atlanta, 8 p.m. (USA/CNBC)
Sat. October 24 Game 4: Golden State at Atlanta, 1 p.m. (NBC)
Monday October 26 Game 5: Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m.* (USA/CNBC)
Thu Oct 29 Game 6: Golden State at Atlanta, 8 p.m.* (USA/CNBC)
Sat. October 31 Game 7: Atlanta at Golden State, 8 p.m.* (USA/CNBC)
*-if necessary
How to watch
In the United States, the series will air on NBC, USA Network and CNBC, with all games broadcast on Peacock. In the UK it will be broadcast by Sky Sports. In Australia, fans can watch via WNBA League Pass, with select coverage also available via ESPN.
There had been scheduling conflicts at State Farm Arena for both games, with a concert by singer Sombr on October 22 and the Hawks hosting their home opener on the night of October 24.
“We are thrilled to be able to make the dream come true as they host Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena,” said Andrew Saltzman, President of Business Enterprises and Chief Business Officer for the Hawks and State Farm Arena.
“Playing for a championship is special, and we want the Dream to feel the full support of the city during this incredible run.”
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While the Dream played most of their regular season games at Gateway Center Arena, they moved six regular season games and their previous three home playoff games to State Farm Arena. They will play all their home games there next season after signing a multi-year contract earlier this month.
The Dream, led by a group of Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada, makes its first appearance in the finals in 13 years after sweeping the Mystics in the first round and the 2024 champion New York Liberty in the semifinals.
It’s still unclear where Game 6 would take place if the series goes that far, with the Hawks scheduled to play another home game at State Farm Arena on October 29.
The Valkyries faced their own scheduling conflict for Game 2 on October 19, as Doja Cat was scheduled to perform at the Chase Center in San Francisco. This concert has been moved to October 25.
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