ATLANTA, GA — The Atlanta Dream are bringing championship basketball back to the city, securing a spot in the 2026 WNBA Finals and creating a new wave of excitement among basketball fans across Georgia.
The Dream will face the Golden State Valkyries in the championship series, marking Atlanta’s first appearance in the WNBA Finals since 2013.
The achievement represents a significant milestone for a franchise that has worked to establish itself among the league’s top contenders.
In another major development, the WNBA announced that Atlanta’s home games for Games 3 and 4 will take place at State Farm Arena, home of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks.
The decision gives the Dream an opportunity to play in front of a larger crowd than the Gateway Center Arena, where the team has played most of its home games.
Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, at 8 p.m. Eastern, while Game 4 will take place Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. Eastern.
The scheduling arrangement required cooperation between the WNBA, Atlanta Dream, Golden State Valkyries, State Farm Arena, and the Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks also adjusted the start time of their October 24 home opener against the Houston Rockets to accommodate the championship matchup.
The Dream’s postseason success comes during a period of growing national attention surrounding women’s professional basketball.
Across the league, increased viewership, expanded media coverage, and rising interest in women’s sports have created new opportunities for teams and athletes.
For Atlanta, the Finals appearance provides another opportunity to showcase the city’s passionate sports culture on a national stage.
The Dream have also announced plans to play their 2027 home games at State Farm Arena, signaling a significant step forward for the organization.
As the championship series approaches, Atlanta fans will have an opportunity to support their hometown team in pursuit of its first WNBA title.
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
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