The Atlanta Dream has become one of the famous teams in the WNBA, with its loyal fan following, who have supported the team in both their achievements and losses and motivated them to gear up for winning a championship. Though after their performance in the game, they haven't achieved a championship yet. In this article, we will discuss about the team's history, famous players of the team, the team roster, and its records.
Advertisement
Know All About Atlanta Dream Roster, Profile, Owner, Key Player and More

Atlanta Dream Profile
The Atlanta Dream actively engages with fans on Instagram through their official account: @atlantadream. With over 259,000 followers and more than 8,000 posts, they share various content. The social media page highlights player features, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and community initiatives. The Atlanta Dream’s former mascot was named Star the Bird, which was an energetic presence at games and community events. Star retired in 2020, and the Atlanta Dream has not introduced a new mascot since then. The Dream’s name honors Atlanta native Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. It was established in 2008 as an expansion team. Throughout its history, the Dream has secured three Eastern Conference championships in 2010, 2011, and 2013. In the table below, we have presented the most recent information about the team:
Teams Information | Details |
---|---|
Founded | 2008 |
Owner(s) | Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and Renee Montgomery. |
Location | Atlanta, Georgia, US |
Nickname | Dream |
Head Coach | Karl Smesko |
Mascots | Star |
Arena/Stadium | Gateway Center Arena, College Park |
Social Media (Page) | Instagram, X, Youtube, Facebook |
Net Worth | $55 Million |
Championship/MVP | No WNBA Championship |
Popular Players | Tiffany Hayes, Tina Charles, Angel McCoughtry |
Advertisement
Atlanta Dream History

The Atlanta Dream was formed in 2008 as an expansion team in the Women's National Basketball Association. They are the Southeast's only WNBA franchise. Atlanta Dream Rivalries are with the Minnesota Lynx, Washington Mystics, and Chicago Sky. As Atlanta has faced the Lynx in the WNBA Finals twice, intense battles in playoff matchups of the 2011 & 2013 WNBA Finals, where Minnesota has won the match. Speaking of its rivalry with the Washington Mystics, as they are Eastern Conference competitors, frequent matchups with each other in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, where Washington won the match. Atlanta faced the Chicago Sky in the 2013 playoffs, where Atlanta won the match.
Atlanta Dream Stats
The Atlanta Dream is having a strong 2025 season, currently boasting an 8-4 record and sitting 2nd in the Eastern Conference. Their offensive rating has placed them 3rd in the league, showcasing their efficient scoring. This results in an impressive net rating of +10.1, also the 3rd best in the WNBA. As a team, the Dream averages 84.3 points per game (3rd in the league) and leads the league in total rebounds per game with 38.0. They also rank 1st in blocks per game with 5.0. Key individual contributors include Allisha Gray (leading scorer at 20.4 PPG) and Brionna Jones (leading rebounder at 8.3 RPG). Let's have a look at Atlanta Dream stats as per the WNBA 2025 season in the table below :
Name | Games Played | Rebounds | Assists | Steals |
---|---|---|---|---|
Allisha Gray | 13 | 5.2 | 4.2 | 1.1 |
Rhyne Howard | 13 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 1.5 |
Brionna Jones | 13 | 7.9 | 2.3 | 0.8 |
Brittney Griner | 11 | 5.7 | 0.6 | 0.1 |
Jordin Canada | 6 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 1.3 |
Te-Hina Paopao | 12 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 0.3 |
Nia Coffey | 13 | 3.4 | 1.6 | 0.4 |
Naz Hillmon | 13 | 4.5 | 1.8 | 0.4 |
Maya Caldwell | 12 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 0.7 |
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | 13 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 0.2 |
Taylor Thierry | 6 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Total | 12 | 38.0 | 21.0 | 5.9 |
Advertisement
Atlanta Dream Famous Players
The team gained its popularity due to its famous players, who, with their records, achievements, and gameplay, have achieved a huge fan base for the team. Each player has their own style of playing the game, which makes them an important part of the team. Forming the Atlanta Dreams roster is a very calculated process, which focuses on making the team strong. Let us look at some of the Atlanta Dream's famous players :
Player Name | Retired or Active | Age | Country |
---|---|---|---|
Angel McCoughtry | Retired (2023) | 38 | USA |
Tiffany Hayes | Active | 35 | USA/Azerbaijan |
Rhyne Howard | Active | 24 | USA |
Allisha Gray | Active | 30 | USA |
Brittney Griner | Active | 34 | USA |
Angel McCoughtry

Angel McCoughtry is one of the Atlanta Dream's famous players, not because of her stats but also for her unique playing style. From the moment she was named the 2009 WNBA Rookie of the Year, it was clear she was a special talent. In her professional career, she has scored averages of 18.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. She has earned many trophies and titles during her basketball career and became a fan favorite, earning five WNBA All-Star selections, and proved to be an unstoppable scorer, claiming two WNBA scoring titles in 2012 and 2013. Her defensive intensity was legendary, as evidenced by her two WNBA steals titles (2012, 2014) and an incredible seven selections to the WNBA All-Defensive First Team. Her enduring legacy and status as one of the league's most influential players were cemented when she was rightfully named to the prestigious WNBA 25th Anniversary Team in 2021. Beyond her achievements in the WNBA, she also achieved awards on the international stage, which include two Olympic gold medals with Team USA
Tiffany Hayes

Tiffany Hayes plays a very important role in the team because of her scoring ability and defense. Being drafted as a 14th overall pick by the Atlanta Dream in 2012, she quickly proved herself, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Her career highlights include winning many titles due to her on-court performance, like All-WNBA and All-Defensive Team honors in 2018. She has won a WNBA All-Star award, and in 2024, she notably won the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award, which shows her ability to understand the game and play in her own style. She consistently scores in double figures throughout her career and has also played a key role internationally, even competing for Azerbaijan's 3x3 Olympic team.
Rhyne Howard

Rhyne Howard has quickly become a promising player in the WNBA, showcasing her immense talent since being drafted first overall in 2022. After her entry into the WNBA, she immediately proved herself by earning 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year and WNBA All-Rookie Team honors. She is a two-time WNBA All-Star (2022, 2023), consistently demonstrating her scoring prowess and all-around game. She recently matched a WNBA single-game record with nine three-pointers in June 2025. Additionally, she proudly secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in 3x3 Basketball, further solidifying her international achievements.
Allisha Gray

Allisha Gray, with her versatility and consistent impact in the game, became a very important player for the team. After the Dallas Wings drafted her 4th overall in 2017, she immediately earned WNBA Rookie of the Year and WNBA All-Rookie Team honors. Gray is a two-time WNBA All-Star (2023, 2024), showcasing her sustained excellence. She has earned many achievements for the team, including winning a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 3x3 basketball, a testament to her skills on the international stage. In 2024, she became the first player in WNBA history to win both the Skills Challenge and the 3-Point Contest at All-Star weekend. Gray also consistently receives recognition as a top performer, earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week multiple times in the current 2025 season.
Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner is a dominant force in women's basketball, achieving many accolades throughout her career. As the first overall pick in 2013, she immediately showcased her shot-blocking prowess, holding WNBA records for most blocks in a single game (11) and season (129). Griner led the league in blocks for eight seasons and earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards (2014, 2015). Her offensive game is equally impressive, with two WNBA scoring titles (2017, 2019) and consistent double-digit scoring averages. She's a 10-time WNBA All-Star, a WNBA Champion (2014), and a three-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA (2016, 2020, 2024), also winning two FIBA World Cups.
Atlanta Dream Roster
The team took a very calculated decision to make the Atlanta Dream Roster 2025. The team underwent a significant transformation for the 2025 season, signaling its intent to achieve a championship. Some of the main changes for the 2025 season include ten-time WNBA All-Star center Brittney Griner and three-time All-Star forward Brionna Jones, creating a strong frontcourt. They have joined an established core that include two-time All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, along with defensive standout Jordin Canada. Other vital players include Nia Coffey, Naz Hillmon, Maya Caldwell, and veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough. Below is a detailed overview as per the team's roster on ESPN:
Name | No. | Position | Age | Height | Weight | College |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Maya Caldwell | 33 | Guard | 26 | 1.8 m | 72 kg | Georgia |
Jordin Canada | 3 | Guard | 29 | 1.68 m | 61 kg | UCLA |
Nia Coffey | 12 | Forward | 30 | 1.85 m | 82 kg | Northwestern |
Lorela Cubaj | 19 | Forward | 26 | 1.93 m | 90 kg | Georgia Tech |
Allisha Gray | 15 | Guard | 30 | 1.83 m | 75 kg | South Carolina |
Brittney Griner | 42 | Center | 34 | 2.06 m | 92 kg | Baylor |
Naz Hillmon | 0 | Forward | 25 | 1.88 m | 86 kg | Michigan |
Rhyne Howard | 10 | Guard | 25 | 1.88 m | 79 kg | Kentucky |
Brionna Jones | 24 | Forward | 29 | 1.91 m | 97 kg | Maryland |
Te-Hina Paopao | 2 | Guard | 22 | 1.75 m | - | South Carolina |
Taylor Thierry | 5 | Forward | 22 | 1.85 m | - | Ohio State |
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | 32 | Guard | 30 | 1.75 m | 63 kg | Maryland |
Advertisement
Atlanta Dream Head Coach

Karl Smesko was appointed as the new Atlanta Dream Coach on 13 November 2024. He has about two decades of coaching experience and has the third-highest winning percentage (.843) among active NCAA Division I women’s basketball coaches. Smesko succeeds Tanisha Wright, who parted ways with the Dream after three seasons. Wright led the team to two consecutive playoff appearances, which also included a 15-25 record in her final season. Dream expressed immense gratitude for her services over the years, but found that some changes were required in tactical strategies. Hence, they appointed Smesko as their new head coach. Before joining the Dream, Smesko served as the head coach at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). There, he built a nationally recognized program from scratch. The Atlanta Dream has two assistant coaches to help Karl Smesko lead the team to its first WNBA championship: LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole.
Atlanta Dream Owner

As of June 2025, the Atlanta Dream is owned by a three-member group:
- Larry Gottesdiener: He has served as the Managing Partner since February 2021. Gottesdiener is responsible for setting the long-term strategic vision for the organization. Larry is also the Founder and Chairman of Northland Investment Corporation, overseeing its long-term strategic direction.
- Suzanne Abair: She is a Partner and the Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Dream. Abair collaborates with the ownership group to guide the franchise’s operations and strategic initiatives.
- Renee Montgomery: A former WNBA player, Montgomery made history as the first former player to become both an owner and executive of a WNBA team. She joined the Dream’s ownership group in 2021. Renee brings an athlete’s perspective to the front office, along with vocal leadership as a former team captain.
Advertisement
Atlanta Dream Worth
As per the team's valuation by Sports Illustrated, we can estimate the Atlanta Dream's Worth to be around $55 million, which placed them as the least-valued WNBA franchise at that time, especially when compared to teams like the New York Liberty or the Las Vegas Aces. They sold out season tickets in 2025 and are actively working to unlock new revenue streams, especially given Atlanta's large sports market. The league's new media rights deals and increased sponsorships are expected to significantly boost all team valuations, positioning the Dream for future growth.
Atlanta Dream Stadium

The Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, is known as the Atlanta Dream Stadium, where the team plays its home matches. It was opened in November 2019 and has a capacity of holding 3,500 spectators. It's primarily used as a home arena for the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) and College Park Skyhawks (NBA G League). The Dream moved to Gateway Center Arena in 2021 after previously playing at venues like State Farm Arena and McCamish Pavilion.
Atlanta Dream Championships
The Atlanta Dream has consistently been a strong team in the WNBA, making it to the WNBA Finals three times in their history, but unfortunately have not won a championship to date. They reached the championship series in 2010, 2011, and 2013. However, despite their impressive run to the Finals, the Atlanta Dream championship title is yet to come. In 2010, the Seattle Storm swept them in the Finals. The Minnesota Lynx then defeated them in consecutive Finals appearances in 2011 and 2013, sweeping both series. While they hold three Eastern Conference titles, their pursuit to win a WNBA championship continues.
Atlanta Dream Records
Throughout their history, the Dream have reached the WNBA Finals three times (2010, 2011, and 2013) but have yet to secure a championship title. The team has seen significant contributions from players like Angel McCoughtry. They were instrumental during their Finals run, and one can never forget the contributions of Rhyne Howard, the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year. Coaching changes have been frequent, with Marynell Meadors leading the team in its early successes and Tanisha Wright taking charge in recent seasons. Dream strives to be more competitive with the addition of the new head coach, Karl Smesko. Below is a summary of the Atlanta Dream’s records and performances:
Season | Wins | Losses | Win % | Playoff Outcome | Head Coach |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2008 | 4 | 30 | .118 | Did not qualify | Marynell Meadors |
2009 | 18 | 16 | .529 | Lost in the First Round | Marynell Meadors |
2010 | 19 | 15 | .559 | Lost in the WNBA Finals | Marynell Meadors |
2011 | 20 | 14 | .588 | Lost in WNBA Finals | Marynell Meadors |
2012 | 19 | 15 | .559 | Lost in the WNBA Finals | Meadors / Williams |
2013 | 17 | 17 | .500 | Lost in WNBA Finals | Fred Williams |
2014 | 19 | 15 | .559 | Lost in the Second Round | Michael Cooper |
2015 | 15 | 19 | .441 | Did not qualify | Michael Cooper |
2016 | 17 | 17 | .500 | Lost in the First Round | Michael Cooper |
2017 | 12 | 22 | .353 | Did not qualify | Michael Cooper |
2018 | 23 | 11 | .676 | Lost in Conference Finals | Nicki Collen |
2019 | 8 | 26 | .235 | Did not qualify | Nicki Collen |
2020 | 7 | 15 | .318 | Did not qualify | Nicki Collen |
2021 | 8 | 24 | .250 | Did not qualify | Petersen / Taylor |
2022 | 14 | 22 | .389 | Did not qualify | Tanisha Wright |
2023 | 19 | 21 | .475 | Lost in the First Round | Tanisha Wright |
2024 | 15 | 25 | .375 | Lost in First Round | Tanisha Wright |
2025 | 8 | 4 | .667 | - | Karl Smesko |
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the owner of Atlanta Dream?+
Who is the most famous Atlanta Dream player?+
Who is Atlanta Dream's coach?+
How Many Matches Has Atlanta Dream Won?+
Who did the Atlanta Dream get in the WNBA draft?
+
Who did the Atlanta Dream get in the WNBA draft?
In the 2025 WNBA draft, the Atlanta Dream selected Te-Hina Paopao with the 18th pick and Taylor Thierry with the 36th pick.
Who owns the Atlanta Dream WNBA team?
+
Who owns the Atlanta Dream WNBA team?
The Atlanta Dream is owned by a group including Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and former Dream player Renee Montgomery
Conversation
(0 Comments)
Editor's Pick
Editor's Pick