Atlanta Dream

Atlanta Dream. The Atlanta Dream are a professional basketball franchise based in College Park, Georgia, competing as a member club of the WNBA's Eastern Conference. Established in 2008 as an expansion team, the franchise has reached the WNBA Finals three times and is notable for its transition to majority ownership by former player Renee Montgomery, making it the first WNBA team owned by a Black woman and the first league franchise owned by a former player.

History

The franchise was awarded in 2008 to an ownership group led by Ron Terwilliger and Kathy Betty, joining the league alongside the Chicago Sky. Early success came quickly under head coach Marynell Meadors, with the team drafting cornerstone Angel McCoughtry and reaching the WNBA Finals in 2010, 2011, and 2013, though falling each time to the Minnesota Lynx or Phoenix Mercury. The team's trajectory shifted following a 2014 sale to Kelly Loeffler and Mary Brock, a period marked by playoff absences and significant roster changes. A pivotal moment occurred in 2021, when a consortium including Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and former Dream star Renee Montgomery purchased the team from Loeffler, heralding a new era focused on community engagement and competitive rebuilding under head coach Tanisha Wright.

Franchise records and achievements

The team's greatest team achievement is its three appearances in the WNBA Finals, all occurring within its first six seasons. Key individual records are held by several franchise icons, including Angel McCoughtry, who leads in career points, steals, and minutes played, and Erika de Souza, who holds records for rebounds and blocks. Tiffany Hayes ranks highly in several statistical categories, while Courtney Williams set the single-game scoring record. The Dream have had multiple players earn All-WNBA honors, such as McCoughtry and Hayes, and have seen several individuals participate in the WNBA All-Star Game, including de Souza and Elizabeth Williams. The franchise has also secured notable draft selections like Rhyne Howard, who won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2022.

Players and personnel

The current roster features All-Star talents such as Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, acquired via trade from the Dallas Wings. Other key players include Cheyenne Parker, Tina Charles, and Jordin Canada. The basketball operations department is led by general manager Dan Padover, with Tanisha Wright serving as head coach since 2022, a tenure that has emphasized defensive identity. The historic ownership group, led by Larry Gottesdiener and including Renee Montgomery and Suzanne Abair, has been instrumental in reshaping the franchise's culture. Notable alumni who have shaped the team's history include Angel McCoughtry, Iziane Castro Marques, Sancho Lyttle, and Shoni Schimmel.

Season-by-season results

The Dream's competitive history is defined by distinct eras. Their early peak from 2010 to 2013 resulted in multiple playoff berths and finals runs, with a franchise-best record of 19-15 in their inaugural 2008 season. A prolonged rebuilding phase followed from 2014 through 2021, with only one playoff appearance in 2018. The franchise's resurgence began in 2022, culminating in a return to the WNBA playoffs in 2023 as a higher seed, defeating the Dallas Wings in the first round before falling to the New York Liberty. This marked their most successful postseason run since their finals appearances.

Home arenas

The franchise has played in multiple venues within the Atlanta metropolitan area. They began play at Philips Arena (now State Farm Arena), sharing the venue with the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA. In 2017, the team moved to McCamish Pavilion on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology. For the 2021 season, they relocated to Gateway Center Arena at Georgia International Convention Center in College Park, Georgia, which remains their home court and is noted for its more intimate basketball configuration and improved fan experience.

Category:WNBA teams Category:Sports clubs established in 2008 Category:Sports in Atlanta