Atlanta Dream to Host Season Opener at State Farm Arena Against Indiana Fever

 

 

The Atlanta Dream will tip off their 2025 WNBA season on May 22 with a marquee matchup against the Indiana Fever at State Farm Arena. The Dream enter the season with high expectations after back-to-back playoff appearances and a game-changing offseason that saw major free agency signings and the hiring of one of the winningest coaches in women’s basketball history.

 

Beyond their efforts on the court, the Dream continue to elevate the profile of women’s sports in Atlanta, building off a record-setting 2024 season that included 20 consecutive home sellouts and unprecedented season-ticket growth.

 

A Special Venue for a Special Matchup

 

While the Dream have transformed Gateway Center Arena into one of the WNBA’s most electric home-court environments, a scheduling conflict created an opportunity for the team to open the season on a larger stage at State Farm Arena.

 

“We have invested significant resources and energy into making Gateway Center Arena the most unique home-court experience in the WNBA,” said Dream Majority Owner, Larry Gottesdiener. “However, due to a scheduling conflict at Gateway, we saw an opportunity to bring this exciting early-season matchup to State Farm Arena, allowing even more fans to experience it. We appreciate the hospitality.”

 

With a high-profile opponent, a star-studded lineup, and a larger venue, the Dream anticipate a packed house for the season opener.

 

Dream’s Star-Powered Roster & New Leadership

 

Atlanta’s offseason moves sent a clear message—this team is ready to compete for a WNBA championship.

 

The Dream’s biggest splash came with the addition of Brittney Griner, a ten-time All-Star, three-time Olympic gold medalist, and WNBA champion. She’ll team up with fellow newcomers Brionna Jones (three-time All-Star) and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (WNBA champion), joining a dynamic core featuring:

•               Rhyne Howard (All-Star, Olympian)

•               Allisha Gray (All-Star, Olympian)

•               Jordin Canada (Two-time WNBA champion)

 

The season opener will also mark the Dream coaching debut of Karl Smesko, one of the most successful coaches in NCAA women’s basketball history. Smesko arrives in Atlanta after a dominant tenure at Florida Gulf Coast University, where he held the third-highest winning percentage (.843) in NCAA Division I history, trailing only Geno Auriemma and Kim Mulkey.

 

Fever Bring Star Power of Their Own

 

The Indiana Fever enter the season with a revamped roster under the leadership of new head coach Stephanie White, the WNBA’s 2022 Coach of the Year. The Fever’s lineup includes:

•               Kelsey Mitchell (All-Star)

•               DeWanna Bonner (All-Star)

•               Natasha Howard (All-Star)

•               Aliyah Boston (2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year)

•               Caitlin Clark (2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year)

 

With elite talent on both sides, this matchup is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated games of the early WNBA season.

 

A Celebration of Community and Women’s Empowerment

 

Beyond the on-court excitement, the Dream will use the home opener as a platform to celebrate and empower women. The team will recognize local clubs and organizations that champion opportunities for women and girls, reinforcing its commitment to community engagement.

 

Dream President and COO Morgan Shaw Parker emphasized the magnitude of the moment:

 

“The excitement around the Atlanta Dream has never been higher, and we can’t wait to open this season in front of a packed house at State Farm Arena. There’s no doubt our home opener on May 22nd will be electric!”

 

How to Get Tickets

 

Fans can sign up for presale access at atlantadream.com for early access to home opener tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

 

Single-game tickets for the home opener and all regular-season home games will be available starting Friday, March 21.

 

With a high-energy atmosphere, a must-see matchup, and an exciting new era for the Dream, Atlanta will tip off the 2025 regular season on Friday, May 16, against the Washington Mystics at CareFirst Arena Washington, D.C., at 7:30 p.m. ET.