What Happened to Atlanta Dream?
The Atlanta Dream is a professional women's basketball team in the WNBA, founded in 2008. After periods of both WNBA Finals appearances and struggles, the team underwent a significant ownership change in 2021 following controversy, ushering in a new era. Under current ownership and head coach Karl Smesko, and with key players like Rhyne Howard and recent acquisition Angel Reese, the Dream has experienced a resurgence, becoming a top contender in the Eastern Conference as of the 2026 season.
Quick Answer
The Atlanta Dream, a WNBA franchise founded in 2008, has recently transformed into a leading team in the Eastern Conference. Following a controversial ownership period that ended in 2021, the team was acquired by a group including former player Renee Montgomery, bringing renewed focus. Under Head Coach Karl Smesko, the Dream achieved a 30-14 record in 2025 and, as of June 23, 2026, holds an 11-4 record, driven by stars like Rhyne Howard and the impactful addition of Angel Reese.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Atlanta Dream Founded
The Atlanta Dream was established as an expansion team in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team joined the Eastern Conference.
First WNBA Finals Appearance
The Dream reached their first WNBA Finals, ultimately losing to the Seattle Storm. They would also appear in the Finals in 2011 and 2013.
Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler Become Owners
Dream Too LLC, an ownership group including Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler, acquired the Atlanta Dream. This ownership would later become a source of controversy.
Players Call for Kelly Loeffler's Removal
WNBA players publicly called for co-owner Kelly Loeffler to sell her stake in the team due to her controversial political statements opposing the Black Lives Matter movement.
New Ownership Group Acquires Team
Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and former Dream player Renee Montgomery purchased the team from Kelly Loeffler and Mary Brock. Montgomery became the first former WNBA player to be an owner and executive.
Player Brawl Video Surfaces
A video of Dream players Courtney Williams and Crystal Bradford involved in a brawl outside a club from May 2021 went viral. The team announced the players would not be re-signed.
Rhyne Howard Drafted First Overall
The Dream acquired the 1st overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft and selected Rhyne Howard from Kentucky, who quickly became a cornerstone player for the franchise.
Tanisha Wright Departs as Head Coach
After finishing the 2024 season with a 15-25 record and a first-round playoff exit, the Dream and Head Coach Tanisha Wright parted ways.
Karl Smesko Hired as Head Coach
Karl Smesko was hired as the new head coach of the Atlanta Dream prior to the 2025 season, bringing a highly successful collegiate coaching background.
Successful 2025 Season Concludes
The Dream finished the 2025 season with a 30-14 record, securing the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Indiana Fever.
Angel Reese Acquired via Trade
The Atlanta Dream made a significant move by trading for two-time All-Star forward Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky, further strengthening their roster.
Historic Sellout Streak Continues
The Atlanta Dream announced a sellout for their May 17 game at State Farm Arena, extending their historic sellout streak to 50 games, reflecting growing fan engagement.
Angel Reese Sets Rebounding Record
Angel Reese became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds, achieving the milestone in just 79 games during a victory over the Indiana Fever.
Current Season Status
As of today, the Atlanta Dream holds an 11-4 record, placing them 1st in the WNBA Eastern Conference. The team is considered a strong contender in the league.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Atlanta Dream was established in 2008 as an expansion team in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The franchise quickly found success, reaching the WNBA Finals three times in its early years (2010, 2011, and 2013), though they were unable to secure a championship title.
A significant turning point for the franchise occurred in 2020 when then-co-owner Kelly Loeffler, a U.S. Senator, made controversial political statements that were widely opposed by WNBA players and the Players Association. This led to widespread calls for her removal from ownership. In February 2021, a new three-person investor group, led by real estate investor Larry Gottesdiener, alongside Suzanne Abair and former Dream player Renee Montgomery, purchased the team. Montgomery's involvement made history, as she became the first former WNBA player to serve as both an owner and executive of a franchise. This ownership change was seen as a crucial step in realigning the team with the league's values and fostering a more supportive environment for its players.
Following the ownership transition, the Dream began a rebuilding phase. In April 2022, the team acquired the first overall pick in the WNBA Draft and selected Rhyne Howard, who quickly became a foundational player for the franchise. The 2024 season saw the Dream finish with a 15-25 record and a first-round playoff exit, leading to the departure of Head Coach Tanisha Wright. Prior to the 2025 season, Karl Smesko was hired as the new head coach, bringing a fresh strategic approach. The 2025 season marked a significant improvement, with the Dream finishing 1st in the Eastern Conference with a 30-14 record, doubling their win total from the previous season. Despite this success, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Fever.
The momentum continued into the 2026 season. A blockbuster move on April 6, 2026, saw the Dream acquire two-time All-Star Angel Reese from the Chicago Sky, significantly bolstering their frontcourt. As of June 23, 2026, the Atlanta Dream holds an impressive 11-4 record, leading the Eastern Conference. Key players like Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and Angel Reese have been instrumental in their strong performance. Reese, in particular, made history on June 22, 2026, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds. The team has also demonstrated strong fan engagement, extending a historic sellout streak to 50 games by May 2026. While the Dream continues to play many games at Gateway Center Arena, they have also scheduled several 2026 games at the larger State Farm Arena, indicating a growing demand and ambition for a larger home venue.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Atlanta Dream made different choices?