The Atlanta Dream have emerged as the top draw in the WNBA Finals, drawing a sellout crowd of 17,099 fans to State Farm Arena on Wednesday night for a decisive 97-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries. The win gave Atlanta a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series, marking a significant increase in local interest compared to recent years when the team struggled with attendance.
Just three years ago, the Dream were averaging fewer than 3,000 fans at home and ranked near the league’s bottom in attendance. The surge in attendance highlights a growing enthusiasm for the team as it competes on basketball’s biggest stage. The Dream had previously played home games at several smaller venues, including Gateway Center Arena, which holds about 3,500 fans, as well as Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion and Gas South Arena in Duluth.
The franchise announced on October 6 that it will play all home games at State Farm Arena beginning next season under a multiyear agreement with the venue. The move to a larger, downtown arena alongside the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks signals a new chapter for the Dream, who formerly shared smaller facilities with the Hawks’ G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks.
Players credited the energized crowd for their strong performance in Game 3. Forward Angel Reese praised the passionate fans for their consistent support throughout the game, comparing the atmosphere favorably to what the Dream experienced in Golden State’s raucous Chase Center. “Atlanta, you all came out, on Wednesday, on a school night, they have to work tomorrow. I appreciate y’all for coming out and supporting us and being loud on every single possession,” Reese said, encouraging fans to return for Saturday’s Game 4.
Guard Rhyne Howard, with the team since 2022, also emphasized the importance of home-court support and the significance of moving full-time to State Farm Arena next season. “The fact that people fought to get in here, sellout crowd, and they were on time and they showed out,” Howard said. “I definitely think that helped us… The city of Atlanta, I’m sure if the stadium was bigger it would still be a sellout crowd. Because that’s how much we mean to the city.”
Scheduling challenges remain ahead, as the Dream and the WNBA have yet to confirm how a potential Game 6 in Atlanta would be managed, given a conflict with the Hawks’ home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Saturday’s Game 4 was moved to an earlier 1 p.m. start to avoid a clash with the Hawks’ home opener against the Houston Rockets.
The recent sellouts at State Farm Arena had previously been primarily attributed to appearances by visiting stars, such as Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. Now, the Dream themselves are becoming the marquee attraction, drawing recognition even from former Atlanta players. Golden State guard Tiffany Hayes, who played for the Dream from 2012 to 2022, noted the impressive atmosphere. “It was cool… It was a nice atmosphere. We’re happy everyone came and showed love to women’s basketball,” Hayes said after Wednesday’s game.
With the Dream riding a wave of momentum, their increasing fan base may prove pivotal as the team seeks its first WNBA championship.