When the Atlanta Dream step onto the court at State Farm Arena, the excitement is always palpable. This summer, that excitement takes on a new dimension as two of its brightest stars, Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese, prepare to don the red, white and blue of Team USA in the upcoming FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup in Berlin.
A Historic First
For the first time in franchise history, the Dream will be represented by a pair of its own players on the world’s biggest stage. Howard and Reese are the inaugural duo from the franchise to earn a combined spot on the U.S. roster, a milestone that underscores the team’s growing influence on the international scene.
The Road to Qualification
Their journey began in March, when the United States faced off in a qualifying tournament that secured a berth for the 2026 World Cup. Howard posted a flawless 5‑0 record and averaged 10.0 points per game, while Reese contributed 6.8 points and 8.0 rebounds per contest, helping the squad to a dominant performance.
Stat Sheets Tell a Story
Howard’s scoring touch is not new; she enters the tournament as a four‑time WNBA All‑Star and the league’s current leader in steals, averaging 17.0 points per game for the Dream this season. Reese, meanwhile, has rewritten the record books in her rookie Dream campaign, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds and pacing the league in rebounding and double‑doubles.
More Than a Game
Beyond personal accolades, the pair’s selection reflects the Dream’s broader impact on the sport. Since its inception in 2008, the franchise has produced 13 All‑Stars, earned 11 playoff berths and reached three WNBA Finals, establishing itself as the Southeast’s flagship basketball franchise. Their success now ripples onto the global stage, promising to inspire the next generation of players.
Looking Ahead to Berlin
The 2026 World Cup will run from September 4 to 13 in Berlin, Germany, where Team USA will compete in Group D alongside Czechia, Italy and China. With a target of securing a fifth consecutive world title, Howard and Reese are poised to add another chapter to a storied franchise narrative that already boasts a rich legacy at State Farm Arena.