Dream Big: Atlanta Clinches Playoff Spot and Ends 7-Year Home Drought

The Atlanta Dream are officially playoff-bound! For the first time since 2018, the Dream have clinched a spot in the postseason, capping off one of the most successful stretches in franchise history.

At 25-14, Atlanta sits in third place in the standings with five games left to play—already 10 wins better than last season. Head coach Karl Smesko summed it up perfectly: “This group has shown remarkable resilience and growth throughout the season. Clinching a playoff spot is the first step, but our focus remains on finishing strong and competing for a championship.”

That resilience has been powered by a true team effort. Allisha Gray has forced her way into the MVP conversation with her consistency and clutch scoring. Rhyne Howard continues to be one of the league’s elite two-way players and looks poised for All-Defensive Team honors. Inside, Brionna Jones is having a career year, establishing herself as one of the most dominant forces in the paint. Add in the steady presence of Brittney Griner and Jordin Canada, plus Naz Hillmon’s energy off the bench—who just might walk away with Sixth Player of the Year—and you’ve got the recipe for Atlanta’s rise.

As for the playoffs themselves, the opening round will be a best-of-three series under the new 1-1-1 format, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 3. The semifinals move to best-of-five, while the WNBA Finals expand to a full best-of-seven, using a 2-2-1-1-1 format. The postseason tips off September 14, right after the regular season ends on September 11, and could stretch all the way to October 19 if the Finals go the distance.

For Dream fans, the excitement is real—playoff basketball is coming back to Atlanta. The first round will mark the team’s first home playoff game in seven years, and it’s happening at Gateway Center Arena, one of the most electric atmospheres in the WNBA. Playoff tickets go on sale Tuesday, September 2 at 10 a.m. ET, but availability will be limited. Fans can secure their seats by visiting dream.wnba.com/tickets or emailing Tickets@atlantadream.com.

The Dream are in. The Dream are rolling. And the Dream aren’t done yet.