Dream owners say they raised Finals schedule concerns

Atlanta Dream owners said they warned the WNBA months ago about potential scheduling conflicts at State Farm Arena, as Game 6 of the Finals was set for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET because the Atlanta Hawks are hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers there that evening. In a letter released Tuesday, the Dream’s ownership said it raised concerns when the league finalized playoff dates and times and repeated them during the postseason. The owners said the concerns did not receive the attention or urgency they deserved. The letter did not identify who received the concerns or give specific dates for the discussions. The afternoon start follows other venue changes during the series. Game 3 was moved up a day because of a concert, and Game 4 began earlier than originally planned because of the Hawks’ home opener. The teams and league also faced a conflict for Game 6 with the Hawks’ scheduled NBA game at the arena. The Dream’s letter said the team had not wanted or fought for a midday Finals game, while thanking the Hawks and State Farm Arena for adjusting their schedules to accommodate the series. The owners said playing at the arena gave fans and Atlanta a chance to take part in the Finals...