Women’s Sports Fans Criticize WNBA Finals Schedule Change

Hours before the tipoff of Game 6 in the WNBA Finals on Thursday, a temporary sign appeared above the entrance of Babe’s Sports Bar on Armitage Avenue. “Babe’s Cafe. Fueled by caffeine. And rage.” The sign marked a rapid shift for the Logan Square establishment, which opened its doors at 9 a.m.—seven hours earlier than usual. This early opening accommodated the 11:30 a.m. start for the game between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries.

The game’s original 7 p.m. tipoff was moved. The venue switched from the Dream’s home court—Gateway Center Arena with a capacity of 3,500—to the bigger State Farm Arena, seating approximately 17,000 fans. This change was necessary to avoid a schedule clash with the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, who had a game at the same time at State Farm Arena.

The rescheduling received criticism from women’s sports fans, especially in Chicago. Nora McConnell-Johnson, owner of Babe’s, first learned of the change on Monday in a Slack group with other women’s sports bar owners nationwide. The timing shift was disappointing for McConnell-Johnson, as four of her top sales days in the past year coincided with WNBA Finals games.

McConnell-Johnson didn’t panic, despite the financial implications, due to her business’s stable situation. She was disappointed, recognizing that these Finals wouldn’t match past sales peaks. Her immediate reaction was decisive: the bar had to open early. Her team’s response echoed her sentiment, with every available bartender volunteering for extra shifts.

McConnell-Johnson contacted Meagan Shamberger and the Babe’s street team to bring Blackstone grills for serving breakfast. The team prepared bacon and pancakes, exchanging them for donations. They created aprons, placards, and signs for the event.

The quick changes resulted in a strong turnout. Fans filled the bar, many working remotely as they awaited the game’s start.

Lauren Simington and Emmicia Swartz were among the early arrivals. Both set up workspaces at the bar and displayed their support for their team. By 9:30 a.m., the bar was half-full, comprising fans willing to work while supporting their favorite sports.

Some patrons, like Jackie Schmitz, visited not for the game but to enjoy the vibrant space and support local business. The scheduling controversy, shared on Babe’s Instagram, gained traction, garnering thousands of likes and shares, and contributing to a packed bar by the 11:30 tipoff.

The morning saw patrons buying coffee, beer, and Bloody Marys, with the atmosphere resembling success despite the last-minute adjustments. McConnell-Johnson expressed satisfaction with the turnout but remained critical of the scheduling decision. She perceived it as another sign of disregard for women’s sports fans, who have been forced to create spaces to watch their teams play.

Frustration was common among attendees. Stephanie Zing and Elisa Mary Sanchez questioned the planning. They noted that the venue was sold out, indicating strong interest ignored by the schedulers. Various solutions for the scheduling conflict were suggested, yet many fans felt the decision-makers mishandled the situation.

Both the WNBA and NBA, along with the involved teams, explored options including moving Game 6 or the Hawks’ game or switching venues. Ultimately, logistical challenges prevented changes. This didn’t quell the dissatisfaction among fans, who feel the league is expanding faster than its leadership can manage.

Despite the setbacks, the event at Babe’s was a gathering point for fans determined to support women’s sports. State Farm Arena sold out, and women’s sports bars like Babe’s, Level Sporting Club, and Whiskey Girl Tavern saw high traffic.

McConnell-Johnson hopes the success at her bar emphasizes the business potential of women’s sports and the missed opportunities due to scheduling decisions. “Women’s sports is good business,” she stated, emphasizing the need for decision-makers to recognize this.