Why is a WNBA Finals game starting at 12:30 p.m. on a Thursday? Everything to know as Dream blame the league

A WNBA Finals game is scheduled to tip off at 12:30 p.m. on a Thursday, an unusual weekday afternoon timeslot for a potential championship-deciding game. The Atlanta Dream have publicly blamed the league for the scheduling decision, which required significant logistical coordination. The early afternoon start time has drawn attention and criticism given the high stakes of the matchup.