The decision to move Game 6 of the WNBA Finals to an afternoon slot has undoubtedly made it more difficult for fans to come out and support their team, given that the game will take place during working and school hours. With their championship hopes hanging in the balance, the Atlanta Dream need all the support they can get.
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That is why Angel Reese has joined the effort to appeal to employers and educators to give their employees and students the flexibility to cheer on the team during this crucial matchup. Specifically, Reese took to her Instagram Story to reshare a message put out by Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, appealing to employers and educators across the city to give fans an opportunity to support their home team.
“Dear Atlanta Employers and Educators,” the mayor’s message read. “On Thursday, October 29, I’m asking you to show a little love and extend a little grace to your students and employees who may be cheering on the Atlanta Dream. Whether they’re at the game or catching a few moments on their devices, please allow them to be excited to cheer on our home team.”
In the message, Dickens went on to emphasize that supporting the Dream was a collective responsibility for Atlanta residents, stressing that the team needed the entire city behind it as it pursued a historic WNBA championship. He then called on employers and educators to embrace the excitement surrounding the Finals and play their part in helping the franchise achieve its ultimate goal.
“So don’t make your students or employees sneak a peek at the game. Be the supportive leaders we know you are. Lean into this historic moment, embrace the excitement and let Atlanta show up for Atlanta! Do it for the A! Let them watch, let them cheer. Let them DREAM! ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM!” he added.
The matchup between the host Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries was originally scheduled for a primetime slot at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (5:00 p.m. Pacific Time). However, the game was moved to the afternoon to accommodate a scheduling conflict at State Farm Arena.
The venue is hosting the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks against the Cleveland Cavaliers later that same evening. By opting for an afternoon tip-off rather than moving the game to the Dream’s usual but much smaller home court, the 3,500-seat Gateway Center Arena, the league preserved the opportunity to host a sellout crowd of more than 17,000 fans for what could be a title-deciding game.
However, with Game 6 of the 2026 WNBA Finals now scheduled to tip off at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time (9:30 a.m. Pacific Time) on Thursday, October 29, thousands of fans could miss the live broadcast because of work and school commitments. This has prompted the mayor’s appeal, which Angel Reese subsequently shared with her followers.
Heading into the game, the Golden State Valkyries lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 and can clinch the WNBA championship with a victory. If the Dream manage to win, they will force a decisive Game 7 back in San Francisco on Halloween.
Atlanta will now have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd on Thursday, but that advantage will mean little if fans cannot turn up in the numbers the team needs. With the championship on the line, the Dream will need every bit of support they can get to keep their title hopes alive.
However, the Atlanta Dream is not the only team encouraging fans to find a way to watch the crucial matchup despite the inconvenient tip-off time. The Golden State Valkyries have also joined in on the conversation, with players Veronica Burton and Kiah Stokes jokingly advising fans to call in sick so they can watch the game.
“Call in sick, I recommend it,” Burton said. “Yeah, right? Y’all know how to fake a cough, didn’t we all do that?” Stokes chimed in immediately afterward while faking a cough.
Ultimately, Thursday’s matchup presents the Golden State Valkyries with an opportunity to make history by securing the franchise’s first WNBA championship. For the Atlanta Dream, it is a chance to protect their title hopes, keep their championship dreams alive, and potentially make history of their own in a decisive Game 7.