The Atlanta Dream have made a major statement this offseason. On Saturday, the team officially announced the signing of 10-time WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner, marking one of the most significant acquisitions in franchise history. The 34-year-old center had previously shared her decision on Instagram earlier in the week. She joins the Dream on a one-year contract.
“Atlanta felt like home the moment I started thinking about this next chapter,” Griner said in a statement. “What led me here was the team, the players, and most importantly, my family. I’m excited to be part of this city, to connect with the community, and help elevate this team into championship contention.”
Griner’s signing is not only the biggest in Dream history but also one of the most impactful moves in WNBA history. Standing at 6-foot-9, she is one of the most accomplished and recognizable figures in the sport. After a dominant collegiate career at Baylor—where she won a national championship in 2012—Griner was selected in the first round of the WNBA Draft. She spent 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, building an extraordinary resume that includes a 2014 championship, where she was named Finals MVP.
Her long list of accolades includes six All-WNBA selections, two scoring titles, and eight seasons as the league’s rebounding leader. She’s also a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and a seven-time All-Defensive Team member. Griner’s achievements earned her a spot on the WNBA’s 25th Anniversary Team in 2021, cementing her status as one of the game’s greats.
“Brittney is the perfect fit for this team, this organization, and this city,” Dream general manager Dan Padover said. “She brings Hall of Fame talent, championship presence, and leadership to our organization. This is a monumental moment for our franchise.”
In her Instagram video, Griner admitted the decision was tough but said she ultimately found the right fit in Atlanta. She now joins an up-and-coming Dream squad led by 2022 No. 1 overall pick Rhyne Howard and newly hired head coach Karl Smesko.
Though Griner is in the later stages of her career, she remains highly productive. Last season, she averaged 17.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Despite missing the entire 2022 season due to wrongful detainment in Russia, she returned to All-Star form in back-to-back seasons—a testament to her resilience and skill.
The Dream further bolstered their roster with the signing of three-time All-Star forward Brionna Jones, a proven force who spent her career with the Connecticut Sun. Padover praised Jones, calling her “one of the most consistent and dominant players in the world.” Additionally, the team signed veteran guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough to strengthen its bench.
Smesko, another major offseason acquisition, arrives in Atlanta after an impressive 23-year run at Florida Gulf Coast University. He takes over a Dream squad that features rising star Howard, veteran standouts like Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada, and a revamped roster poised to compete at a higher level.
These aggressive offseason moves reflect Atlanta’s desire for immediate success. After back-to-back first-round playoff exits and no winning seasons since 2018, the Dream are determined to become title contenders. The franchise has reached the WNBA Finals three times (2010, 2011, 2013) but has yet to capture a championship. With Griner and other key additions, Atlanta is hoping to change that.
