The Atlanta Dream will host Games 3 and 4 of the 2026 WNBA Finals at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, giving more fans the opportunity to watch the team compete against the Golden State Valkyries. The venue change expands seating capacity and adjusts the schedule for both Finals games because of conflicts involving other events at the arena.
The WNBA announced that Game 3 will take place on Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. ET, while Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. ET. Both games were originally planned for the Dream’s regular home venue, Gateway Center Arena.
The decision provides a larger stage for Atlanta as the franchise returns to the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2013.
State Farm Arena WNBA Finals Schedule: Game 3 and Game 4
The updated schedule includes changes to the date of Game 3 and the starting time of Game 4.
| Game | Date | Start Time (ET) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 3 | Wednesday, October 21 | 8 p.m. | State Farm Arena |
| Game 4 | Saturday, October 24 | 1 p.m. | State Farm Arena |
| Potential Game 6 | Thursday, October 29 | 8 p.m. | Gateway Center Arena, currently scheduled |
Game 3 was moved from Thursday, October 22, to Wednesday, October 21, while retaining its 8 p.m. ET start time. The game will be televised on USA Network.
Game 4 will begin at 1 p.m. ET instead of its originally scheduled 3:30 p.m. start. The adjustment accommodates an Atlanta Hawks home game at State Farm Arena later that evening, which has also been moved from 8 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET.
The venue for a potential Game 6 remains subject to further discussion, according to the report.
Why Are the Atlanta Dream Playing at State Farm Arena?
The Atlanta Dream initially planned to host their WNBA Finals home games at Gateway Center Arena, which has approximately 3,500 seats. However, scheduling conflicts involving a concert and two Atlanta Hawks games complicated efforts to secure State Farm Arena for the Finals.
The organization explored alternative venues in the Atlanta area, including Gas South Arena, which can accommodate up to 13,000 spectators, and McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech, which has approximately 8,600 seats. Those efforts encountered obstacles before an agreement was reached to move Games 3 and 4 to State Farm Arena.
The larger venue allows the Dream to welcome substantially more supporters for two of the biggest games in franchise history.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert welcomed the decision, explaining that the increased seating capacity would give thousands more fans across the Southeast an opportunity to experience the Finals in person.
Dream majority owner Larry Gottesdiener also expressed gratitude to the organizations involved in resolving the scheduling issues, emphasizing that the change would benefit both players and fans.
State Farm Arena to Become the Dream’s Full-Time Home in 2027
The venue change also highlights the Atlanta Dream’s upcoming move to State Farm Arena as their primary home court.
The team announced on October 6 that it would play its home games at the downtown Atlanta venue beginning next season. With the WNBA expanding its regular-season schedule to 50 games, State Farm Arena is set to host all 25 of the Dream’s home contests.
The Dream have already played several games at the arena during the 2026 season, including six regular-season contests and three postseason games.
Moving to the larger venue represents an important step for the franchise as it seeks to expand its audience and strengthen its presence in Atlanta.
State Farm Arena is also home to the Atlanta Hawks, making scheduling coordination essential during the basketball season.
Golden State Valkyries to Remain at Chase Center
While the Atlanta Dream will use State Farm Arena for their two confirmed home games, the Golden State Valkyries will continue playing their home Finals games at Chase Center in San Francisco.
Golden State is scheduled to host Games 1, 2, 5 and 7, if necessary, at its regular home venue. The arena has hosted the Valkyries throughout the regular season and during multiple playoff games.
The franchise previously encountered a postseason scheduling conflict in 2025 when a home playoff game was moved because of a tennis tournament. This season, a concert originally scheduled for the same day as Game 2 of the Finals was relocated.
Valkyries team president Jess Smith emphasized the organization’s commitment to playing its postseason games at Chase Center.
The contrast between the two teams’ venue arrangements reflects the scheduling challenges that can arise when professional basketball shares major arenas with concerts and other sporting events.
Atlanta Dream Return to the WNBA Finals
Atlanta reached the 2026 WNBA Finals after sweeping the Washington Mystics in the first round and the New York Liberty in the semifinals.
The run marks the Dream’s first Finals appearance since the 2013 season. The franchise is still seeking its first championship, having gone 0-9 in its previous WNBA Finals games.
Hosting Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena gives the team an opportunity to compete in front of a larger home crowd during its championship pursuit.
The Golden State Valkyries, meanwhile, will look to take advantage of home-court support at Chase Center as the series progresses.
The Finals schedule and venue arrangements are particularly significant for fans hoping to attend the games in person, especially those who may have struggled to secure seats at the smaller Gateway Center Arena.
What State Farm Arena’s WNBA Finals Move Means for Fans
The decision to move Atlanta’s Finals games to State Farm Arena is a major development for basketball fans across Georgia and the Southeast. The larger building offers greater seating capacity, while the revised schedule resolves the immediate conflicts with other events.
Fans should check the official Atlanta Dream and WNBA websites for the latest ticket availability, entry information and any additional schedule updates.
With Atlanta returning to the Finals for the first time in more than a decade, State Farm Arena will provide a bigger setting for the franchise’s attempt to win its first WNBA championship.
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