WNBA Finals Game 6 venue still undecided as Dream and Valkyries negotiate schedule

The Dream await a decision from the league while the Hawks host the Cavaliers, leaving the Game 6 location in doubt.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 25 Oct 2026 21:16:25 GMT

The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are still negotiating the venue for Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals, scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. ET, according to ESPN sources cited by both the New York Post and Bleacher Report.

What happened

The series is tied 2‑2 after the Valkyries won Game 4 at State Farm Arena on Oct. 24. Game 6 will decide the championship, but the arena for the decisive match remains unsettled. The Hawks are slated to host the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena on the same night, creating a scheduling conflict.

What the reports add

The New York Post reported that the Dream’s spokesperson told ESPN the team is "waiting to hear from the league if any changes can be made to allow us to play in State Farm Arena. If not, the game will be played in Gateway Center Arena," the Dream’s 3,500‑seat home venue in College Park. Bleacher Report echoed the uncertainty, quoting ESPN’s Alexa Philippou and Ramona Shelburne that "nobody knows where or even when the game will be played despite a furious round of negotiations spilling into Sunday between the WNBA, NBA, Valkyries, Dream and Atlanta Hawks." Both outlets note that the Hawks’ Cavaliers game and other logistical issues make the situation more complex than earlier schedule adjustments.

What was said

A Dream spokesperson said, "We are waiting to hear from the league if any changes can be made to allow us to play in State Farm Arena. If not, the game will be played in Gateway Center Arena," as reported by the New York Post.
A WNBA spokesperson added, "We continue to explore all options," also cited by the New York Post.
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou and Ramona Shelburne were quoted by Bleacher Report saying, "Nobody knows where or even when the game will be played despite a furious round of negotiations spilling into Sunday between the WNBA, NBA, Valkyries, Dream and Atlanta Hawks."

How it came about

The venue dispute follows earlier negotiations that saw Games 3 and 4 moved to State Farm Arena after the Dream and Hawks reached a double‑header arrangement. The Dream’s home arena, Gateway Center Arena, holds only about 3,500 fans, prompting the league to seek a larger site for the finals atmosphere. Felo’s coverage of the series highlighted Angel Reese’s performances in Games 2, 4 and the opening Game 1, underscoring the stakes of the championship showdown.

Key facts

Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals is scheduled for Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. ET. (nypost.com)
The venue is undecided; the Dream may play at State Farm Arena or Gateway Center Arena. (nypost.com)
The Hawks will host the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena on the same night. (bleacherreport.com)
Gateway Center Arena seats about 3,500 fans. (nypost.com)
A Dream spokesperson said they are waiting for league approval; a WNBA spokesperson said they are exploring options. (nypost.com)