‘So Embarrassing,’ ‘Unmitigated Disaster’ — Basketball World Rips WNBA As ESPN Insider Reveals Championship Ceremony May Be Held on ‘Practice Court’

The WNBA is drawing criticism after ESPN insider Ramona Shelburne reported Monday that the championship celebration could be moved to a practice court if the Golden State Valkyries win the title in Game 6.

The possibility stems from a scheduling conflict at Atlanta's State Farm Arena, where an NBA game is set for later that day. Shelburne's report on "NBA Today" prompted sharp reactions from the basketball world.

Basketball Community Slams WNBA Over Potential Practice Court Celebration

Game 6 of the WNBA Finals is scheduled for Thursday at 12:30 p.m. ET, with the Atlanta Hawks hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers at State Farm Arena at 8 p.m.

The tight turnaround between the two games has raised concerns about how much time the arena will have to accommodate both events. Shelburne addressed the scheduling issue:

"That championship celebration may not actually be on that court," she said . "I've heard there are discussions about whether there's enough time to turn the arena over in time for the fans to celebrate on the court. It could be moved to like a practice court."

The possibility of moving the ceremony away from the main court drew criticism from across the basketball world.

Celtics writer Noa Dalzell posted , "This is ridiculous."

One WNBA observer raised concerns about what the arrangement could mean for the players, writing, "This is so embarrasing just potentially ruining a championship celebration."

Golden State leads the best-of-seven series 3-2 after defeating Atlanta 64-55 in Game 5 on Monday. The Valkyries can secure their first championship with another victory Thursday, while the Dream must win to force Game 7.

Reporter Kenzo Fukuda was equally critical of the potential arrangement for the ceremony.

"It's an unmitigated disaster that we've gotten to this point," he tweeted .

Pro Football Network also reacted : "So unserious."

The Athletic writer Stewart Mandel called the situation a "clown show," while also admitting that, despite his criticism, he selfishly hoped the series would return to the arena for Game 7 regardless of which team won.

NBA podcaster Joe Dellera expressed a familiar reaction in the discussion. "I cannot get over how absolutely ridiculous this entire thing is. Next level unserious behavior by the W."

One user took a sarcastic approach to the potential arrangement, posting , "'Lets make them celebrate in the back on the loading dock'- WNBA."

Shelburne's report concerned discussions about a possible move, not a finalized plan. Whether the league needs an alternative location for the celebration will depend first on Thursday's result.