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ATLANTA (May 15, 2026) — The Atlanta Dream have officially sold out their highly anticipated home opener against the defending WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces on Sunday, May 17, at State Farm Arena.
This marks the team’s 45th consecutive sellout when including previous games hosted at the venue over the last three seasons, and pushes their overall streak of home sellouts to a remarkable 50.
Atlanta Dream Extends Historic Sellout Streak to 50
The announcement underscores the surging popularity of the Dream and the broader momentum in women’s basketball. With State Farm Arena’s basketball capacity exceeding 17,600, the sellout represents a major showcase event for the franchise, which typically plays at the smaller Gateway Center Arena in College Park.
Unprecedented Demand in 2026
The Dream 2026 schedule has sold out all of their first six home games this season, including the May 17 matchup and the next five at their primary home. This extends the historic streak to 50 consecutive sellouts overall. Full- and half-season ticket memberships sold out rapidly for the third straight year, reflecting strong fan loyalty.
“This reflects everything we’ve been building, from the energy inside our arenas to the connection this team has with the city,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, Dream president and COO. “Fifty consecutive sellouts is not just a milestone, it’s a signal that women’s sports are here to stay. Atlanta is showing up in a powerful way for us, and we’re proud to keep delivering an experience that meets that passion.”
Fans still seeking tickets for May 17 or other games are encouraged to check verified resale options through Ticketmaster Resale.
On the Court: A Promising Start
The Dream enter Sunday’s game with a strong 2-0 record. They opened the season with a road win over the Minnesota Lynx (91-90) and followed with a victory against the Dallas Wings (77-72). Key contributors include Allisha Gray, Angel Reese (a notable newcomer bolstering the frontcourt), Jordin Canada, and Rhyne Howard.
The game tips off at 1:30 p.m. ET and features a tough test against the Las Vegas Aces, led by stars like A’ja Wilson. Atlanta will look to snap a five-game losing streak against the defending champions.
Building a Legacy
The Atlanta Dream, established in 2008 as the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise, have a rich history with 12 All-Stars, 11 playoff appearances, and three WNBA Finals berths. Playing five home games at State Farm Arena in 2026—the most at an alternate venue this season—highlights their commitment to growing the game on larger stages. Games are broadcast locally on Atlanta News First and streamed on Victory+.
This sellout streak arrives amid booming interest in the WNBA, with the Dream at the forefront in Atlanta. As the team continues its strong start under head coach Karl Smesko, fans can expect an electric atmosphere on Sunday and throughout the season.
For more information and the full schedule, visit the official Atlanta Dream website.
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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.
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Professional athlete Angel Reese, the dynamic forward now with the Atlanta Dream, is making some serious money these days — but that’s not how it was just a year ago.
How Much Money Does Angel Reese Make?
Reese is set to earn a base salary of $350,692 in the 2026 WNBA season.
This represents a massive leap from her previous earnings under the old collective bargaining agreement. In 2025, she made approximately $74,909–$81,000.
Don’t look now, but the Atlanta Dream just picked up the option on her rookie deal.
The new CBA, which dramatically increased the salary cap to $7 million per team, adjusted rookie-scale contracts and delivered more than a 400% raise for many young stars like Reese.
Contract Breakdown
Reese was selected No. 7 overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft and signed a four-year rookie-scale deal originally worth about $324,383. Thanks to the new CBA adjustments:
- 2026 (Year 3): $350,692 (base salary and cap hit)
- 2027 (Year 4, team option): $396,282 (already exercised by Atlanta)
If she earns All-WNBA honors in 2026, she could become eligible for a maximum contract worth up to around $1.4 million annually starting in 2028.
Read up on Angel Reese’s meteoric rise to fame.
Her current deal provides excellent value for the Dream, representing just a small fraction of the expanded salary cap while locking in a proven double-double machine through at least 2027.
Endorsements: Where the Real Money Is
While her WNBA salary has grown significantly, Reese’s true earning power comes off the court. In 2025, Forbes estimated her total earnings at $9.4 million, with roughly $9 million coming from endorsements, appearances, licensing, and other ventures — dwarfing her on-court pay.
She has built one of the most lucrative personal brands in women’s basketball, partnering with major companies including:
- Reebok (including her own signature shoe line)
- McDonald’s (her own branded meal)
- PlayStation
- Beats by Dre
- Amazon
- Cash App
- Hershey’s (Reese’s Pieces)
- Calvin Klein
- And dozens more across fashion, tech, food, and lifestyle categories
Her marketability — fueled by her personality, style, and on-court dominance — has made her a crossover star.
Estimates of her annual endorsement income have consistently hovered in the high seven figures, and with her profile continuing to rise after the move to Atlanta, those numbers are expected to grow even further in 2026 and beyond.
Overall Financial Picture
Reese’s combination of a solid (and rising) WNBA salary with the Atlanta Dream plus elite endorsement deals has pushed her net worth estimates into the millions.
She’s frequently ranked among the highest-paid female athletes globally, proving that star power in the WNBA now translates into serious financial opportunities both on and off the court.
As the league’s popularity surges, players like Angel Reese are at the forefront of a new era where basketball excellence and brand building go hand in hand. For fans and aspiring athletes alike, her trajectory shows just how far the WNBA — and its stars — have come.
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The Atlanta Dream announced on Monday they’re exercising Reese’s $396,282 fourth-year rookie option, securing her through 2027 after acquiring her from the Chicago Sky on April 6 in exchange for their 2027 and 2028 first-round picks.
Reese, the No. 7 pick from LSU in 2024, averaged strong double-doubles in Chicago despite team struggles and her wrist injury, but now joins a playoff-tested Atlanta squad with Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Naz Hillmon in a fast-paced system.
Teammates like Gray are already praising her training camp energy, and Reese vows more aggression as the team eyes a deeper playoff run, starting with a preseason homecoming against her old team Wednesday.
A Bold Bet on a Double-Double Machine
Atlanta’s front office is making it clear: they’re all-in on building around one of the WNBA’s most dynamic young forwards. By picking up the team option on Reese’s rookie-scale deal, the Dream ensure continuity through at least the 2027 season.
The move comes just weeks after the blockbuster trade that sent two future first-rounders to Chicago, signaling long-term commitment to the 23-year-old two-time All-Star and rebounding standout.
Angel Reese Salary: How Much Will She Make in 2026 From WNBA?
Angel Reese will earn a base salary of $350,692 in 2026 from her WNBA contract.
Read up on how much Angel Reese makes.
This is her third year on the four-year rookie-scale deal she originally signed with the Chicago Sky after being drafted No. 7 overall in 2024.
Under the original terms, her 2026 salary would have been around $75,000–$81,000, but the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (ratified in early 2026) includes significant raises and adjusts existing rookie contracts to the updated scale.
In her first two professional seasons with the Sky, Reese established herself as a force on the boards, becoming the only player in league history to average at least 12 rebounds per game in multiple seasons.
Her ability to dominate the paint, combined with improving scoring and playmaking, made her a natural fit for Atlanta’s up-tempo, position-less style under head coach Karl Smesko.
Seamless Fit in a Rising Contender
The Dream already boast a formidable core. Rhyne Howard provides elite scoring and versatility, Allisha Gray brings championship pedigree and perimeter defense, and Naz Hillmon anchors the interior with efficiency and toughness.
Adding Reese creates a frontcourt and transition attack that could overwhelm opponents.
Teammates have taken notice during early practices. Gray, in particular, highlighted Reese’s infectious energy and work ethic. “She’s bringing it every day,” Gray said. “The intensity she plays with is going to elevate everyone.”
Reese herself expressed excitement about the fresh start. “This is a new chapter,” she noted. “I’m ready to be more aggressive, play with even more force, and help this team make a serious playoff push. Atlanta feels like home already.”
Preseason Homecoming Sets the Tone
The narrative gets even better for fans: Atlanta’s preseason schedule includes a matchup against the Chicago Sky, giving Reese an immediate chance to face her former team on her new home floor. It’s a storyline tailor-made for highlight reels and emotional moments.
With the WNBA’s new CBA elevating salaries league-wide, locking in Reese at the fourth-year number represents excellent value, especially with her trajectory pointing toward max-contract territory in the near future.
If she earns All-WNBA honors this season, future earnings could skyrocket—but for now, Atlanta has secured one of the league’s brightest stars at a team-friendly rate.3
The Dream’s aggressive offseason moves—securing core pieces and swinging the biggest trade of the spring—position them as legitimate contenders in the stacked Eastern Conference.
For Angel Reese, it’s the opportunity to chase a title alongside proven winners in a system that should maximize her strengths.
Expect the “Chi-Barbie” to turn into “ATL’s Angel” very quickly. The WNBA season just got a whole lot more exciting.
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In a highly anticipated event, the Atlanta Dream formally introduced two-time WNBA All-Star Angel Reese alongside key returning players and free-agent signees.
Atlanta Dream Introduce Angel Reese, Ushering in a New Era of Ambition
The press conference on Friday, April 17 at the team’s headquarters marked a celebratory milestone following one of the biggest trades of the 2026 WNBA offseason.
The Blockbuster Trade That Brought ‘Bayou Barbie’ to Atlanta
On April 6, 2026, the Dream acquired Reese from the Chicago Sky in exchange for first-round draft picks in 2027 and 2028, plus a second-round pick swap in 2028.
The move signaled Atlanta’s aggressive push to build a championship contender after a strong 2025 season under first-year head coach Karl Smesko.
Reese, the 2024 WNBA Draft’s No. 7 overall pick out of LSU, has quickly established herself as one of the league’s most dominant and marketable players.
Standing at 6’3”, she is a rebounding machine with 49 career double-doubles, averaging around 14.0 points and 12.8 rebounds per game in her first two seasons.
A national champion and perennial highlight-reel star, Reese brings not only elite interior play and defensive energy but also massive off-court appeal.
At the introduction, Reese expressed gratitude for her time in Chicago while embracing her new chapter.
“It’s literally a dream come true,” she said. Surrounded by new teammates, she became emotional discussing the “sisterhood” she felt immediately upon joining. “This feels like a breath of fresh air,” Reese added, fighting back tears.
A Star-Studded Supporting Cast
Reese joins an already talented core that includes:
- Allisha Gray
- Brionna Jones
- Jordin Canada
- Naz Hillmon
- Rhyne Howard
The group posed together holding new jerseys, signaling unity and high expectations for the 2026 season, which tips off May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena.
Team president and COO Morgan Shaw Parker noted the immediate business impact: In the first four hours after the announcement, the Dream sold half as many jerseys as they did in the entire 2025 season. Demand for tickets and merchandise has surged.
What Reese Brings to Atlanta
Reese’s addition pairs her rebounding prowess and physicality with Atlanta’s perimeter talent and playmaking.
Many analysts see it as a perfect fit for a team looking to make a deeper playoff run. Reese herself promised fans she’s “here to stay,” signaling commitment to the city’s vibrant basketball culture.
Her arrival also amplifies the Dream’s visibility. As one of the WNBA’s most followed personalities, Reese is expected to draw new fans to Atlanta while elevating the team’s national profile.
The Dream’s front office, led by GM Dan Padover, described Reese as “a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building.”
With a mix of veteran experience, youth, and superstar power, expectations in Atlanta have never been higher.
As the 2026 WNBA season approaches, one thing is clear: The Atlanta Dream are no longer just competing — they’re positioning themselves as contenders, with Angel Reese as the new face of the franchise.
ATL Barbie has officially arrived, and the city is ready to rally behind her.
