The Atlanta Dream's arena debacle is an embarrassing stain on what's been an otherwise pristine postseason.
It was embarrassing two weeks ago
when they finally landed on where to play Games 3 and 4 of the WNBA Finals just four days before the series was set to begin. And it was embarrassing yesterday when they decided where to play Game 6... and landed on a bizarre 12:30 p.m. start time for the potential title-clinching game at State Farm Arena.What do you mean the WNBA Finals are being played during lunch?! Actually, excuse me. Golden State Valkyries fans will still be eating breakfast -- if they aren't already at school and work. Because, you know, that's what people tend to do during the day.
This was a truly baffling decision, and the humiliation
of it all isn't over just yet. Because if the Valkyries win to clinch a championship in their second year of existence, they might not be afforded a typical on-court celebration, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.
"Guess what happens if someone wins a championship after Game 6? They have to turn that arena over for the Hawks game. So that championship celebration may not actually be on that court. I've heard there are discussions about whether there's enough time to turn the arena over in time for the fans to celebrate on the court. It could be moved to like a practice court," Shelburne said.
She later clarified that there is a resolve to make sure a championship is celebrated on court. Hopefully it's a stronger resolve than the one to find a good solution for Game 6. The whole reason Atlanta wanted to move these playoff games from its 3,500-seat home at Gateway Center was to allow for more fans at the 17,000-seat home of the Atlanta Hawks. How they landed on a resolution that limits fans in a different way is beyond me. Especially when moving Game 6 to an open date at State Farm Arena on Friday was reportedly an option.
The decision was a collective one made by the Dream, Valkyries, WNBA, NBA, State Farm Arena and league broadcast partners, but it was ultimately Atlanta's mess to clean up. Now, that burden falls on the players.
The decision to turn the WNBA Finals into the opening act of a Hawks game will only amplify the embarrassment for all involved if the Valkyries win and have to rush through a championship ceremony. The only way to avoid that worst-case scenario is for the Dream to win and force a Game 7 back in San Francisco, where the winner can celebrate uninterrupted.
Thankfully for the WNBA, the Dream don't have much choice. Their backs are against the wall. Lose, and the season is over anyway. So, they'll be playing with the same desperation the league and organization likely have. Because an Atlanta win is the only thing that can save face.
Quick hits: FTW power rankings ... Jay-Z headlining Super Bowl ... and more
- The Browns and Steelers rise in FTW's NFL Week 8 power rankings, but we're still keeping them on fraud watch.
- Jalen Williams' injury puts San Antonio back ahead of OKC in the Western Conference driver's seat.
- Jay-Z has officially been announced as the Super Bowl 61 halftime performer.
- Brewers closer Trevor Megill had harsh words about the roof at the Rays' Tropicana Field.
- Troy Aikman admitted this could be the final year of his broadcasting career amid turmoil with ESPN.
- Cris Collinsworth showered Patrick Mahomes with excessive praise for... going after a fumble?
- Sophie Cunningham shared her thoughts on the Indiana Fever's big move of firing GM Amber Cox.
This was For The Win’s daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Atlanta Dream can save the WNBA Finals from humiliating venue mess
