Atlanta’s own, Taylor Rooks, took to Twitter/X to report the Chicago Sky would be trading Angel Reese, a two-time WNBA All-Star, to the Atlanta Dream. The news would later be confirmed by multiple outlets. The Dream acquired Reese in exchange for Atlanta’s first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. The Dream also receives the right to swap second-round picks with the Sky in 2028.
“I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to join the Atlanta Dream organization,” Reese said in a news release from the Dream. “I’m focused on continuing to grow my game, competing at the highest level, connecting with the fans, and giving everything I’ve got to the Dream.”
“Angel is a dynamic talent and a perfect fit for what we are building in Atlanta,” said Dream General Manager Dan Padover. “She has already proven herself as one of the most impactful players in the league, and her competitiveness, production, and drive to win align seamlessly with our vision. This is an exciting moment for our organization and our fans.”
Per the Dream’s press release, the team enters the 2026 season following a historic 2025 campaign, finishing with a franchise-best 30 wins and a .682 winning percentage. Smesko’s system, rooted in efficiency and player development, transformed Atlanta into one of the league’s most effective teams, improving from last in the league in 2024 to second in 2025 in offensive rating.
Reese will be joining Atlanta after two stellar years in Chicago. Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game during her rookie season, earning a trip to the All-Star Game. She also finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting and earned some MVP votes. In 2025, Reese averaged 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game. She also increased her shooting percentage to 47.8% in her second season.
The Culture can tap in with Women’s Basketball in Atlanta
It was announced earlier this year that the Dream will play five games at State Farm Arena, the home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks. The five-game slate at State Farm Arena begins with the Dream’s 2026 home opener on May 17th against the defending WNBA Champion Las Vegas Aces.
“There’s nothing like Dream basketball in Atlanta,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, president and COO of the Atlanta Dream. “Our fans bring unmatched passion and energy every night, and bringing five games to State Farm Arena allows us to share that atmosphere with even more people. It’s a powerful moment for our franchise and a reflection of how much this city continues to embrace women’s basketball.”
Morgan is right! There’s nothing like the Atlanta Dream games, and with Angel Reese coming to town, the team will need to host more games at State Farm Arena. Currently, the Dream’s home arena, the Gateway Center in College Park, only holds around 3,500 fans. Conversely, the average attendance for the Dream at State Farm Arena is over 17,000! Now, I don’t want to say goodbye to Gateway Center just yet. But the Dream must negotiate with State Farm Arena about opening dates for more games.
Atlanta celebrates stars!
The City of Atlanta loves big personalities! Whether it’s Dominique Wilkins, Deion Sanders, Michael Vick, or currently Ronald Acuña, Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, the city will show up to watch their favorites perform. In this case, Reese brings a star power that is ready made for Atlanta. Celebrities such as Coco Gauff, Lala Anthony, Latto, Masai Russell, and Monica have welcomed Reese with open arms. The City of Atlanta also suffers from a serious case of ‘the fear of missing out,’ also known as FOMO. Whatever is the hottest thing or person is at the moment, citizens at large must feel like they must tap in!
Plus, Atlanta’s Instagram followers on Monday to 299,000 as of Wednesday morning. Meanwhile, Chicago’s follower count dropped from around 584,700 to 572,000.
WNBA fans are excited about this trade, and many of Reese’s fans are following her from Chicago to Atlanta. Many Atlanta Dream fans were Angel Reese supporters, and this trade will actually be great for the league. Also, the trade will draw casual WNBA fans and Reese’s supporters, the “Reese’s Pieces,” to a city ready to embrace its newest star.
This is what I love about the current atmosphere around women’s basketball: The fans, the players, and the rivalries! Angel Reese represents a segment of the new basketball culture that is highly fashionable and passionate. There are a lot of LSU and Southeastern Conference fans inside Atlanta as well! Plus, Reese will be playing in the WNBA’s largest African-American market, with marketing opportunities galore, and there will be no stopping the ATL Barbie on and off the court!
