Dream Honor Dr. King’s Legacy by Erasing $10 Million in Debt for Atlanta Families

In a powerful tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s enduring vision for equity and economic justice, the Atlanta Dream and Cash App, in partnership with ForgiveCo, announced today the elimination of $10 million in debt for families across Atlanta. Timed to celebrate the anniversary of Dr. King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech, this transformative effort will directly benefit more than 3,500 recipients, with debts ranging anywhere from $500 to $80,000.

For the Dream, this is more than a gesture — it’s deeply personal. The team’s name, chosen through a community vote in 2008, honors Dr. King’s dream of a better tomorrow, connecting Atlanta’s rich history of civil rights leadership with a vision for the future. Today’s announcement is an extension of that legacy, reinforcing King’s belief that economic opportunity is at the core of true justice.

This partnership with Cash App and ForgiveCo reflects the kind of collaboration that makes real change possible. By joining forces, they’ve given Atlanta families something priceless: relief from crushing debt and the freedom to move forward with stability and hope. It’s also a reflection of the Dream’s ongoing commitment to being more than a basketball team — they’re investing in the very community that lifts them up.

“We believe sports is a catalyst for social change,” said Larry Gottesdiener, majority owner of the Atlanta Dream. “And we are proud to stand with Cash App and ForgiveCo to deliver real impact where it’s needed most. Together, we’re proving that sports teams can be powerful agents for transformation, rooted in purpose and committed to strengthening our communities.”

“At Cash App, we believe financial freedom should be accessible to everyone and this moment with the Atlanta Dream exemplifies our commitment to turning that belief into action,” said Zack Ashley, Head of Brand Partnerships at Cash App. “Together, we’re not just eliminating debt; we’re helping to build a future where Atlanta families have the foundation they need to thrive.”

“Behind every debt is a real person, a parent, a family under strain,” added Craig Antico, CEO of ForgiveCo. “What we do is more than eliminate balances. We give people room to breathe, hope to dream, and the reassurance that they don’t have to carry this burden alone.”

ForgiveCo worked alongside the Dream to identify families from some of Atlanta’s most financially burdened communities. Through its innovative model, ForgiveCo acquires qualifying debt at a reduced rate and erases the entire balance, providing recipients with much-needed relief and a path toward long-term financial health.

To celebrate the milestone, the Dream are hosting a girls’ basketball clinic this afternoon at C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center in the Adamsville neighborhood of southwest Atlanta, one of the communities directly supported by the debt relief program. Participants will enjoy skill stations, fun games, and leadership lessons from Dream front office staff, players, and Cash App executives — a fitting way to honor Dr. King’s legacy of empowerment and opportunity.

This isn’t just about erasing numbers on a page — it’s about lifting up families, investing in community, and keeping the Dream alive in the city that Dr. King called home.