ATLANTA (April 11, 2026) – The Atlanta Dream has re-signed Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones, Jordin Canada, Naz Hillmon and Rhyne Howard, securing the core of a team that has established itself among the WNBA’s elite and positioning the franchise for sustained championship contention.
The signings represent a defining moment for the Atlanta Dream and underscore a powerful vote of confidence in the organization. Five of the league’s most impactful players, each integral to the team’s identity and success, have committed to its future. Combined with the newly acquired Angel Reese, the Dream has solidified a foundation built on elite talent, continuity and a shared drive to compete for a WNBA championship.
“This is a group that believes in Atlanta, believes in each other and is united in the pursuit of a championship,” said Dream General Manager Dan Padover. “Allisha, Brionna, Jordin, Naz and Rhyne represent the standard we are building here in Atlanta; talented, unselfish and fully committed to winning. Their decision to continue building together, in this city and with each other, speaks to their belief in our vision and culture, one built to win, with great players and even better people.”
The group was instrumental in the Dream’s historic 2025 season, which saw 30 wins and a .682 winning percentage, both the best marks in franchise history. Atlanta emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic and efficient teams, driven by a system that elevated performance across the roster.
Gray, acquired by Atlanta ahead of the 2023 season, has elevated her game to an elite level during her time with the Dream, earning All-Star honors in each of her three seasons with the franchise. A former Rookie of the Year and Olympic gold medalist, she delivered an All-WNBA First Team season in 2025 while finishing fourth in MVP voting, establishing herself as one of the league’s most complete and consistent two-way players.
Jones, who joined the Dream in 2025, is a four-time All-Star and one of the WNBA’s most efficient and dominant interior presences. In her first season in Atlanta, she made an immediate impact by anchoring the frontcourt, setting a franchise record for offensive rebounds and bringing a physical presence that elevated the team on both ends of the floor. She recorded 12 double-doubles during the 2025 season, doubling her career total in her first year with the Dream, further underscoring her production and consistency. Her résumé also includes Sixth Player of the Year honors in 2022 and Most Improved Player in 2021.
Canada, one of the league’s premier point guards and a veteran floor general, has brought elite playmaking, defensive intensity and leadership to Atlanta’s backcourt. A two-time WNBA champion and multiple-time All-Defensive honoree, she consistently sets the tone on both ends of the floor while orchestrating the Dream offense and elevating those around her.
Hillmon, selected by the Dream in the 2022 WNBA Draft, has developed into one of the league’s most reliable and versatile forwards. A standout at the collegiate level and a USA Basketball gold medalist, she delivered a breakout 2025 campaign that earned her Sixth Player of the Year honors. Under Head Coach Karl Smesko, her offensive game expanded significantly, highlighted by 53 made three-pointers after entering the season with just one in her career. Combined with her ability as a cutter, playmaker and passer, along with her durability, evidenced by a franchise record for 151 consecutive games played, Hillmon continues to set the standard for consistency.
Howard, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft by Atlanta, has developed into one of the league’s premier guards and the cornerstone of the franchise. A three-time All-Star, the 2022 Rookie of the Year and a 2025 All-Defensive Second Team selection, Howard continues to expand her impact as both a scorer and playmaker. In 2025, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 300 career three-pointers and established herself as one of the most impactful defensive wings in the league.
“These players have established the standard for Atlanta Dream basketball,” said Dream Head Coach Karl Smesko. “Their work ethic, competitiveness and belief in one another drive everything we do. We’re excited to continue building with this group.”
The Dream will open the 2026 season at home on May 17 against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena. Single game tickets are available now.
This is huge for the Atlanta Dream as they keep together a team that won the most games in franchise history in a single season. The selection of Karl Smesko as head coach changed the fortunes of this team. There were a few questions surrounding this Dream roster after such a successful season. Who would they protect? Who would they lose in the expansion draft? Who might walk in free agency?
The Dream did lose Maya Caldwell in the expansion draft and also lost last year’s major free agent signing in Brittney Griner. However, they were able to acquire Angel Reese and keep the core of their successful 2025 team intact.
Now the city’s attention is turning toward the Atlanta Dream.
Last year during the playoffs I wondered if Dream fans would create a true playoff environment when Atlanta secured home court against the Indiana Fever. With the addition of Angel Reese, I can guarantee that will no longer be a concern. Tickets are already flying and prices are soaring as fans rush to catch this Atlanta Dream team in action.
Of course hype only goes so far. What ultimately matters is winning. With these re signings the Dream have all but secured a high quality winning product on the floor this season.
The band is back together. And now they have added Angel Reese.
The next focus will likely turn to the WNBA Draft, which takes place Monday night. Atlanta currently holds the No. 13 pick in the first round, their last first round selection until 2029 unless they acquire additional picks after trading their 2027 and 2028 first round picks to the Chicago Sky.
