Photo via Yahoo Sports

A first-time WNBA champ is coming soon. Plus: Dream (almost) sort out finals arena

The WNBA is poised to crown a new champion for the first time since the Connecticut Sun won their lone title in 2021, as the underdog Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream face off in a Finals matchup that defied expectations. The Sky and Dream, seeded second and fourth respectively, have upended the league’s recent trend of veteran experience dominating, by sweeping the more seasoned Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty—the latter two teams having won the last four championships combined.

This year’s Finals, starting Saturday in Golden State, highlight the league’s growing depth, with expansion teams like the Sky proving capable of competing at the highest level despite concerns over talent distribution from adding new franchises.

Logistical hurdles have also emerged for the Dream, who will host Games 3 and 4 at State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta—a 17,000-seat venue secured for the series after initial uncertainty over their Finals venue. The move follows the team’s announcement of a multiyear deal to relocate from their current home, Gateway Center Arena, starting in 2027.

Despite their smaller season-ticket base, the Dream sold nearly 10,000 tickets for their three playoff games at State Farm this season, with five of six downtown games selling out. Game 3 has been rescheduled to October 21 due to a concert conflict, while Game 6’s location remains unconfirmed, adding another layer of intrigue to the series.

Up nextWNBA· 52m ago

Every NBA player spotted wearing Caitlin Clark 1s during pre-season games