Atlanta Dream 2025 WNBA Team Profile: Roster, Standings, Schedule & Analysis

The Atlanta Dream enter the 2025 WNBA season with a renewed sense of energy, balance, and ambition. Established in 2008, the Dream quickly became an exciting addition to the league, bringing professional women’s basketball to Atlanta — a city long known for its passionate sports culture. Their name, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, resonates deeply with the city’s heritage and gives the franchise a powerful cultural identity. The Dream symbolize resilience, equality, and the pursuit of excellence on and off the court.

Since their founding, the Dream have reached the WNBA Finals three times (2010, 2011, and 2013), giving fans a taste of championship-level basketball and creating lasting memories. While the team fell short of capturing a title, those deep postseason runs established Atlanta as a force to be reckoned with. Over the years, the franchise has become synonymous with high-octane guard play, a strong defensive identity, and a commitment to community impact.

Fast forward to 2025, and the Dream are experiencing one of the most exciting eras in franchise history. The offseason brought significant changes, including the hiring of Karl Smesko as head coach, a proven tactician known for building competitive programs. The addition of veteran superstars like Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones has given Atlanta much-needed size and championship experience. Combined with the continued growth of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, Atlanta now boasts a roster that is both star-studded and balanced. The result: a team ready to compete for the Eastern Conference crown and potentially chase their first-ever WNBA championship.

Playing home games at Gateway Center Arena, the Dream enjoy one of the most intimate and energetic atmospheres in the league. Fans pack the arena to witness highlight-reel plays, from Gray’s slashing drives to Griner’s rim protection. The game-day experience has become a family-friendly tradition in Atlanta, helping to build one of the most loyal and enthusiastic fan bases in the WNBA.

Current Roster for 2025

The 2025 Atlanta Dream roster is a carefully constructed blend of youth, veteran leadership, and versatile talent across all positions. The front office and coaching staff have built a squad capable of competing with the league’s elite, and the results are already evident in the standings. Here’s a closer look at the team’s core players and what they bring to the floor.

Allisha Gray has been nothing short of spectacular. The guard has elevated her game to elite status, averaging over 21 points per game while consistently delivering in clutch situations. Her scoring arsenal — from attacking the basket to draining outside shots — has made her one of the most feared perimeter players in the league. Alongside her is Rhyne Howard, the young star who continues to expand her game. Howard’s size, athleticism, and defensive instincts make her a tough matchup, and she has become more efficient as a playmaker, averaging career-high assists while maintaining her scoring impact.

The frontcourt is anchored by Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner. Jones, a four-time All-Star, provides reliable post scoring and rebounding, while Griner’s midseason resurgence has reminded the league of her Hall of Fame potential. Together, they give Atlanta the interior presence that had been lacking in previous seasons. Naz Hillmon, a tireless rebounder and energy player, rounds out the rotation in the paint, giving the Dream valuable depth.

The backcourt depth is further enhanced by Jordin Canada, one of the league’s premier distributors. Her court vision and ability to set up teammates keep the offense flowing. Rookie Te-Hina Paopao and rookie wing Taylor Thierry add promising future talent, while veterans Maya Caldwell, Nia Coffey, and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough provide stability off the bench. Walker-Kimbrough in particular has made a case as a Sixth Player of the Year candidate thanks to her scoring punch in limited minutes.

Below is the finalized 11‑player roster, with positions and notable achievements:

• Allisha Gray (G) – Career-high ~21.4 PPG, Eastern Conference Player of the Month (May, June) and multiple weekly honors.
• Rhyne Howard (G) – All-Star reserve, averaging career-best ~17.6 PPG with evolving playmaking and defense.
• Brionna Jones (F) – Veteran interior anchor, four-time All-Star, averaging ~13.3 PPG, ~7.8 RPG this season.
• Brittney Griner (C) – WNBA legend with Phoenix origins, initially underperforming but surging post-All-Star, recently averaging 16 PPG on 60% shooting.
• Naz Hillmon (F) – Reliable rebounder and floor spacer.
• Jordin Canada (G) – Facilitator extraordinaire with strong assist numbers (per RealGM stats).
• Te‑Hina Paopao (G) – 2025 draftee, brings youth and international pedigree (FIBA U‑19 gold medalist).
• Maya Caldwell (G) – Reliable role player off the bench.
• Nia Coffey (F) – Energy contributor on both ends.
• Shatori Walker‑Kimbrough (G) – Sixth Player of the Year runner-up, strong bench scorer.
• Taylor Thierry (G‑F) – Rookie rotational guard from Ohio State

Team Standings and Player Performance

Midway through August, the Dream boast a 21–12 record, good enough to sit atop the Eastern Conference. Their success has been built on a balance of offensive firepower and defensive discipline. Offensively, Atlanta ranks among the league leaders in pace and efficiency, thanks in large part to Gray’s relentless scoring and Canada’s distribution. Defensively, Griner and Jones have turned the paint into a no-fly zone, while Howard has developed into a reliable perimeter stopper.

Compared to their Eastern rivals, the Dream have established themselves as a legitimate threat. While the New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun remain powerhouses, Atlanta’s ability to win on the road and close out tight games has set them apart this season. Their balanced attack means that even if one star has an off night, others are ready to step up — a luxury not all teams can claim.

Injury Report

Injuries have played a role in shaping Atlanta’s season, but the team has managed to weather the storm effectively. Rookie Holly Winterburn, who was expected to provide backcourt depth, suffered a season-ending injury before playing a regular-season game. Her absence reduced the team’s guard rotation options, but the emergence of Walker-Kimbrough and steady play from Caldwell have helped fill the gap.

The most concerning moment came in July, when Rhyne Howard went down with a left knee injury. Fortunately, the hyperextension did not require long-term absence, and Howard returned to action after missing a short stretch of games. Her quick recovery was a testament to both her resilience and the medical staff’s diligent care. With the roster now close to full health, the Dream are in a strong position to finish the season at full strength.

Coaching Staff

The arrival of Karl Smesko as head coach has been one of the defining storylines of Atlanta’s 2025 campaign. Known for his time at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he built a mid-major powerhouse, Smesko brings a reputation for innovative offensive schemes and meticulous attention to detail. His system emphasizes spacing, ball movement, and player development — all elements that have already transformed the Dream’s on-court identity.

Assisting him is a talented staff that includes LaToya Sanders and Brandi Poole, both of whom bring experience and specialization in defense and player development. Chelsea Lyles and Camryn Brown round out the assistant coaching team, focusing on scouting and tactical adjustments. The behind-the-scenes staff, including strength coach Shannon Jackson and athletic trainers Katie Buria and Taylor Javey, have also played critical roles in keeping players in peak condition. Together, this coaching group has created an environment where both stars and role players can thrive.

Regular Season Schedule

The Dream’s remaining regular season schedule features several high-stakes matchups that could determine playoff seeding. Games against the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces will test Atlanta against Western Conference powerhouses, while showdowns with the New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun could decide the top spot in the East. Fans are circling these dates as must-watch contests, with playoff implications on the line.

Another anticipated matchup is against the Phoenix Mercury, where Brittney Griner will face her former team. Such games not only provide emotional storylines but also highlight the league’s growing rivalries. As the Dream look to lock in home-court advantage, every game in August and September takes on added significance.

How to Get Tickets

Catching the Dream live is an unforgettable experience, and tickets are available through the official Atlanta Dream website as well as WNBA’s ticketing partners. Prices vary based on opponent and seating, with affordable options available for families and students. Premium packages, including courtside experiences, are available for marquee matchups against rivals like New York and Connecticut.

The Dream also offer group ticket discounts and themed nights, making games accessible to a wide range of fans. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to women’s basketball, attending a game at Gateway Center Arena provides an intimate, electric atmosphere unlike any other.

Where to Watch

For fans unable to attend games in person, the Dream’s 2025 season is widely accessible across multiple platforms. National broadcasts on ESPN and CBS Sports showcase key matchups, while WNBA League Pass ensures that every game is available for streaming. Local broadcast partners provide additional coverage, making it easy for Atlanta fans to follow the team from home.

With the WNBA’s media presence growing year after year, Dream games are now part of the national sports conversation. This increased visibility not only boosts the team’s profile but also helps connect the franchise to new fans across the country.

Final Word

The Atlanta Dream’s 2025 campaign represents both a return to form and a bold step into the future. With a roster built around rising stars and veteran champions, the Dream are no longer in rebuilding mode — they are contenders. The combination of Allisha Gray’s scoring brilliance, Rhyne Howard’s steady growth, and the interior strength of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner makes Atlanta one of the most balanced teams in the WNBA.

Off the court, the franchise continues to grow its footprint in Atlanta’s sports culture, providing fans with an exciting product and meaningful community engagement. With the playoffs looming, the Dream’s trajectory is clear: this is a team built not just for today, but for sustained success in the years to come.

For fans, whether you’re in the stands at Gateway Center Arena or tuning in on League Pass, the message is simple: the Dream are awake, and the rest of the WNBA should take notice.