Dream Clinches 12th Postseason Berth in Franchise History Following 24th Win of the Season 

ATLANTA (August 22, 2026) - Following Saturday night's victory over the Phoenix Mercury, the Atlanta Dream (24-13) has officially clinched a berth in the 2026 WNBA Playoffs, securing the franchise's fourth consecutive postseason appearance and 12th overall. 

Atlanta's return to the postseason has been powered by one of the WNBA's most effective starting groups. Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon and Angel Reese have led the Dream to a 24-7 record when starting together and own the best net rating of any five-player lineup in the WNBA to play at least 25 games together. Howard, Gray and Reese were each selected as 2026 WNBA All-Stars, while Canada and Hillmon have been key two-way contributors throughout Atlanta's run. 

The Dream has established itself among the league's most complete teams, ranking third in scoring and fourth in net rating while boasting a top-four offense and defense. Atlanta leads the WNBA in steals per game and offensive rebound percentage, ranks second in rebounds per game and fourth in pace. Under second-year Head Coach Karl Smesko and his staff, that balance has become a defining part of Atlanta's identity, built around disruptive defense, work on the glass and an unselfish offensive attack. 

Individually, Howard leads the WNBA in steals per game and three-pointers made, while Reese leads the league in rebounds per game and double-doubles. Gray leads Atlanta in total points and 20-point performances, and Canada ranks among the WNBA leaders in assists and steals while owning the Dream's single-season assists record. Hillmon has provided consistency and versatility on both ends of the floor, while rookies Madina Okot and Isobel Borlase have delivered valuable contributions throughout their first WNBA seasons. 

Atlanta will continue to compete for postseason positioning over the final four games of the regular season following the WNBA's break for the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup. The 2026 WNBA Playoffs begin Sunday, Sept. 27, with the league's top eight teams seeded by regular-season record. Atlanta's final seed, First Round opponent and home-court status will be determined by its regular-season finish. 

About the Atlanta Dream 
Established in 2008, the Atlanta Dream is the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise, playing its home games at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. This year the Dream will play six home games at State Farm Arena, continuing the organization’s commitment to elevating the game on the biggest stages. Dream games are telecast locally on Atlanta News First (WANF-TV) and streamed on Victory+. Since 2009, the Dream has produced 13 WNBA All-Stars, earned 12 playoff bids and made three WNBA finals appearances. For more information about the Dream, visit atlantadream.com and follow @AtlantaDream on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok. 

###