The Atlanta Dream announced on March 25 that the team will play five of its regular season home games at State Farm Arena during the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) season. This marks the most games played by a WNBA team at a single alternate venue for that year.
The decision is intended to address increased fan demand and expand opportunities for fans to attend games in Atlanta, which serves as the Southeast’s largest market. The Dream’s schedule at State Farm Arena will begin with their home opener against the Las Vegas Aces on May 17, followed by matchups with teams including the Indiana Fever, Toronto Tempo, and Chicago Sky.
“There’s nothing like Dream basketball in Atlanta,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, president and chief operating officer 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.” Andrew Saltzman, president of business enterprise and chief commercial officer for the Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, said: “We are incredibly proud to have the opportunity to host five Atlanta Dream games at State Farm Arena this season. The WNBA’s growth is undeniable, and we are honored to provide a world-class stage for these athletes and a top-tier experience for every fan who comes to cheer them on.”
The team previously hosted two games at State Farm Arena in 2024 and one in 2025 against Indiana Fever. Attendance records were set during these events; on August 26, 2024, over 17,600 fans attended—a Georgia WNBA record—according to previous announcements from the organization.
The Atlanta Dream enters its new season following one of its most successful years yet: finishing with a record of 30–14 in 2025 under head coach Karl Smesko—the highest winning percentage in franchise history—and returning playoff basketball to Atlanta since 2018.
According to the official website, the team remains an important part of the league while serving as the only WNBA franchise based in the Southeast region. The organization supports education through initiatives such as backpack drives providing school supplies for students.Ownership partners include Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and Renee Montgomery. The club also focuses on empowering girls through basketball education programs and community leadership development initiatives according to its official site.
Looking ahead, preparations begin soon with preseason contests scheduled before ticket sales open up in early April.
