Atlanta Dream Stuns Rivals With 87-78 Preseason Upset—5 Reasons 2026 Could Be Their Breakout Year

Fresh off a franchise-record 30-win campaign, the Atlanta Dream are turning the page to a highly anticipated 2026 WNBA season—and the buzz is growing louder across the city. Atlanta’s newly released 44-game schedule opens with a two-game road swing before the Dream christen State Farm Arena on May 17 against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, the first leg of a marquee three-game homestand that also features the Dallas Wings (May 22) and Phoenix Mercury (May 24). Other circle-the-calendar dates include Commissioner's Cup action beginning June 2 and a June 20 playoff rematch with Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever, one of two Fever visits to the ATL this summer. If the preseason finale was any indication, Atlanta is already in mid-season form. Rhyne Howard paced the Dream to an 87-78 road win over the Chicago Sky, while rookie sensation Angel Reese grabbed seven boards and showcased instant chemistry with Howard and Allisha Gray—fueling a late standing ovation from Chicago fans. The trio’s fluid ball movement and high-tempo pace underscored why many analysts have elevated Atlanta from plucky contender to bona fide title threat. Head coach Karl Smesko credited the “electric connection” between the roster and an energized fan base, noting that playoff basketball returned to Atlanta last fall for the first time since 2018 and “we can’t wait to be back competing for them every night in 2026.” Season-ticket priority lists and single-game presales are already live as demand surges. Add in two league expansion teams (Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire) visiting State Farm Arena, a July 24-27 All-Star break in Chicago, and a September playoff push that ends with a road series against the New York Liberty, and every sign points to a can’t-miss summer of hoops in the ATL. Fans eyeing “Atlanta Dream 2026 schedule tickets,” “Angel Reese Atlanta debut,” or “Rhyne Howard MVP race” should lock in seats early—because the Dream’s next stop looks very much like championship contention.