ATLANTA, Ga. – May 8, 2026 – The Atlanta Dream officially unveiled their 12-player roster for the 2026 WNBA season on Thursday, setting the stage for what promises to be another competitive campaign following a franchise-record 30-win season in 2025.
The roster, headlined by a rock-solid core of returning stars and bolstered by high-impact offseason acquisitions, reflects the organization’s commitment to building a championship contender under second-year head coach Karl Smesko.
Atlanta Dream Announce 2026 WNBA Roster: Core Veterans Anchor Championship Push with Star Additions
The move comes just days before the Dream open their regular season on the road against the Minnesota Lynx on May 9.
Check out the Atlanta Dream’s 2026 schedule.
A Proven Core Returns
At the heart of the roster are five key holdovers who powered Atlanta’s breakout 2025 campaign:
- Allisha Gray
- Brionna Jones
- Jordin Canada
- Naz Hillmon
- Rhyne Howard
Collectively, this group helped the Dream post a .682 winning percentage and establish themselves as one of the league’s most efficient and dynamic teams. Their return provides continuity and veteran leadership as Atlanta looks to take the next step in pursuit of its first WNBA title.
Star Power and Fresh Talent Join the Fold
The Dream made a major splash in the offseason by acquiring two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese, whose elite rebounding, physicality, and championship pedigree immediately elevate the frontcourt. Reese joins a frontcourt that already features Jones, Hillmon, and the versatile Sika Koné.
Also making their mark on the opening-night roster are:
- Te-Hina Paopao, the dynamic guard coming off an impressive rookie season and continuing to develop within Smesko’s up-tempo system.
- Isobel Borlase, the WNBL MVP from Australia, who brings international scoring punch and versatility to the backcourt.
- 2026 draftees Madina Okot (6-6 center) and Indya Nivar (guard), both of whom impressed during training camp with their size, athleticism, and defensive intensity.
Rounding out the group is rookie guard Holly Winterburn, who earned her spot on the roster with strong play in camp.
Full 2026 Atlanta Dream Roster
| # | Player | Position | Height | Experience | College / Country |
| 15 | Allisha Gray | G | 6-0 | 9 | South Carolina |
| 5 | Angel Reese | F | 6-4 | 2 | LSU |
| 42 | Brionna Jones | F | 6-3 | 9 | Maryland |
| 7 | Holly Winterburn | G | 5-11 | Rookie | England |
| 21 | Indya Nivar | G | 5-10 | Rookie | North Carolina |
| 20 | Isobel Borlase | G | 5-11 | Rookie | Australia |
| 3 | Jordin Canada | G | 5-6 | 8 | UCLA |
| 11 | Madina Okot | C | 6-6 | Rookie | South Carolina |
| 00 | Naz Hillmon | F | 6-2 | 4 | Michigan |
| 10 | Rhyne Howard | G | 6-2 | 4 | Kentucky |
| 23 | Sika Koné | F | 6-3 | 3 | Spain / Mali |
| 2 | Te-Hina Paopao | G | 5-9 | 1 | South Carolina |
Early Buzz and Sharp Predictions
The roster announcement generated immediate buzz across Atlanta sports circles. Local outlet ATL Sports Zone accurately forecasted several of the final cuts and additions, including the inclusion of Holly Winterburn over fellow training-camp standout Taylor Thierry — a call the site made earlier this week as the final roster spots came down to the wire.
With training camp now complete, the Dream enter the 2026 season with a deep, balanced roster featuring 12 All-Star selections across the group and a clear identity on both ends of the floor.
2026 Season Outlook
Atlanta will open its home schedule on May 17 against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena. After a historic 2025 that saw the franchise take major strides, expectations are higher than ever in 2026.
The blend of veteran continuity, star talent in Reese, international flair in Borlase, and promising young pieces has Atlanta fans optimistic that this could be the year the Dream finally break through.
Stay locked in with ATL Sports Zone for full season coverage, in-depth analysis, and more as the 2026 WNBA season tips off.