The Atlanta Dream history reflects the growth of women’s basketball and the impact of the Atlanta Dream WNBA franchise since its founding in 2008. Known for dynamic players and passionate supporters, the team quickly earned respect in the league. This page highlights their achievements, rivalries, and contributions to the WNBA’s exciting and ever-evolving story.
Established
2008
City
Atlanta
League History
2008 – Present / Women’s National Basketball Association
Team History
2008 – Present / Atlanta Dream
Nickname
Dream – The Atlanta Dream is a professional women’s basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Dream play in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). As avid sports fans, you may wonder where their nickname comes from and how it was chosen.
Atlanta Dream Origin
In 2008, when Ron Terwilliger and Kelly Loeffler founded the franchise with assistance from NBA Commissioner David Stern, they had to decide on a name for their new team. After much deliberation between several potential names – including “Stars” – they finally settled on “Dream” as it embodied what aspiring female athletes can strive towards achieving excellence through hard work and determination while inspiring others to do the same.
The name also pays homage to Martin Luther King Jr., one of America's most influential civil rights leaders who famously gave his "I Have A Dream" speech in 1963 during the March on Washington D.C. This connection further solidifies that dreams are achievable if we put our minds together and focus our efforts towards them, which has been echoed throughout many of MLK Jr.'s famous quotes over time - making this an even more fitting choice for an organization dedicated to empowering young women through sport!
Additionally, having such a symbolic moniker helps create unity among players, both past & present, allowing them all to feel connected under one banner regardless of race or background - giving everyone involved with this team something unique that will last far beyond any game day victory or defeat!
Championship
WNBA Championships 0
Arena
2020 - Present / Gateway Center Arena @ College Park
2018 - 2019 / State Farm Arena
2008 – 2017 / Philips Arena
Owner
2011 – Present / Dream Too LLC, composed of Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler
2010 / Kathy Betty
2008 – 2009 / Ron Terwilliger
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2013
- 2014
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Dream Team Creation
Atlanta had been mentioned as a possible future city for WNBA expansion, but efforts did not come together until the beginning of 2007. An organizing committee with Atlanta businessmen and politicians began the effort to attract an expansion team. The inability of the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA to draw crowds was a concern of the WNBA, and the committee kicked off an effort in ... -
Coach of the Year – Marynell Meadors
In 2009, Atlanta reached the playoffs at 18–16, exceeding their previous record by 14 wins. Despite being in the playoffs, the Dream ended their season in disappointment and loss in the first round to the 2008 champion Detroit Shock in a sweep. After the season, their coach, Marynell Meadors, was awarded the Coach of the Year Award. -
Atlanta Dream reaches the WNBA Finals for the first time
In 2010: Atlanta Dream reaches the WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history, after finishing with a 19–15 record and defeating the Washington Mystics and the New York Liberty in the playoffs. The team loses to the Seattle Storm in a three-game sweep. Angel McCoughtry is named to the All-WNBA First Team and sets a WNBA Finals record ... -
Atlanta Dream returns to the WNBA Finals for the second consecutive year
In 2011: Atlanta Dream returns to the WNBA Finals for the second consecutive year, after finishing with a 20–14 record and defeating the Connecticut Sun and the Indiana Fever in the playoffs. The team loses to the Minnesota Lynx in a three-game sweep. Angel McCoughtry is named to the All-WNBA First Team again and leads the league in scoring with ... -
Angel McCoughtry – one of the most dominant players in the WNBA
Angel McCoughtry: She is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most dominant players in the WNBA. She joined Atlanta Dream as the first overall pick in the 2009 WNBA draft and played for the team until 2019. She helped Atlanta Dream reach the WNBA Finals three times, in 2010, 2011 and 2013. She also won two Olympic ... -
Atlanta Dream first Eastern Conference regular season title
In 2014: Atlanta Dream finishes with a 19–15 record and wins its first Eastern Conference regular season title.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Atlanta Dream History
The Atlanta Dream history begins with the team’s founding in 2007, granted as a WNBA expansion franchise in Atlanta, with play starting in 2008. The Atlanta Dream WNBA team was named via fan vote, with colors sky blue, red, and white, and was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. This foundation set the stage for the Dream’s identity in women’s basketball.
In early seasons, the Atlanta Dream history was rocky: their inaugural 2008 season saw them lose 17 consecutive games but then win their first match against Chicago Sky. Over time, the Atlanta Dream WNBA team built talent through players like Angel McCoughtry, Tiffany Hayes, and Erika de Souza. Coaching changes and roster improvements gradually made them contenders.
The Dream made their first WNBA Finals appearance in 2010 under coach Marynell Meadors, followed by back-to-back Finals runs in 2011 and 2013. They have won multiple Eastern Conference titles but, as of 2024, have not yet secured a WNBA Championship. The Dream’s pattern of strong playoff performance has come despite financial, venue, and ownership challenges.
Dream Achievements
Although the Atlanta Dream WNBA team has not captured a championship, several accomplishments mark their Dream history as significant. They claimed three Eastern Conference titles (2010, 2011, 2013), reached the Finals three times, and have produced numerous All-Stars such as Angel McCoughtry and Tiffany Hayes. These feats have solidified their status among top franchises in the league.
More recently, the Atlanta Dream history shows a return to competitiveness: in 2024 and 2025 they clinched playoff spots, improved regular-season records, and saw leadership under new coaching and roster additions. Their resilience continues to define the Atlanta Dream WNBA team, and fans remain hopeful a championship will come soon.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
