NEW YORK (WFMD-AM) – The Golden State Valkyries face an unprecedented challenge ahead of Game 6 of the WNBA Finals on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, as an unusually early 12:30 p.m. ET tipoff forces West Coast supporters to navigate morning work hours and commute traffic. Reported by WFMD-AM, the scheduling adjustment was made to accommodate an evening NBA game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, where the Dream host the expansion franchise with the series standing at 3-2 in favor of Golden State.
The unexpected morning start time in California—equivalent to 9:30 a.m. local time—prompted widespread reactions across social media and public figures alike. Rapper Flavor Flav stepped in to assist fans by publishing an unofficial sick note on social media, declaring Thursday a paid holiday so supporters could tune into the potential title-clinching matchup, as New York Post reported.
Scheduling Conflict and Logistical Hurdles
The unusual afternoon time slot for a major championship contest has drawn mixed responses from dedicated followers and observers. While prime-time slots are customary for decisive postseason games, the arena share with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks forced the early scheduling. Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted he would watch the broadcast during his scheduled day off, acknowledging the awkward breakfast-hour start for Pacific time viewers. Meanwhile, some attendees, such as season ticket holders Shaunice Christmas-Miller and her wife Kendall, questioned why league planners did not secure primetime slots earlier in the seven-game series to avoid last-minute adjustments.
Valkyries Rally Support and Aim for History
Following a pivotal 64-55 victory in Game 5 at Chase Center on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, where celebrity fan Zendaya was spotted in attendance, Valkyries guard Veronica Burton humorously advised supporters to call in sick for the subsequent game. Co-owner Peter Guber expressed confidence that the franchise’s loyal fan base would overcome morning commuter hurdles, whether by working from home or gathering at Chase Center’s Thrive City viewing area.
If the expansion franchise secures a victory on Thursday, championship celebrations will take place on the Atlanta Dream’s practice court due to the evening NBA fixture scheduled at State Farm Arena. Defeat, however, would force a decisive Game 7 back in San Francisco.