-
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.
