ATLANTA — The Atlanta Dream are chasing a championship this postseason, but the organization is already making moves aimed at its future.
This week, the Dream announced a multi-year agreement to make State Farm Arena their permanent home beginning in 2027, moving from Gateway Center Arena in College Park.
For Morgan Shaw Parker, the president of the Atlanta Dream, the move is a sign of just how far the franchise has come.
“Never in a million years did I think we would be here that quickly, but it just shows the growth, the demand,” Shaw Parker told Channel 2’s Karyn Greer in an exclusive interview.
The move represents a dramatic increase in capacity, from roughly 3,200 seats in College Park to more than 17,000 seats downtown, giving more fans a chance to watch one of the WNBA’s fastest-growing teams.
Shaw Parker was quick to credit Gateway Center Arena and the City of College Park for helping the franchise grow.
“I can’t say enough about the Gateway Arena team, the City of College Park for embracing us. We wouldn’t be where we are today without that,” she said.
The expansion comes as interest in the Dream continues to rise, fueled by a talented roster that includes stars such as Rhyne Howard, Alyssa Gray, Brionna Jones and rookie sensation Angel Reese.
“There’s no way that we get Angel Reese if we weren’t doing something right on the court,” Shaw Parker said. “Angel chose us.”
More than basketball
The franchise says its mission extends beyond winning games.
The Atlanta Dream’s name was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, and Shaw Parker says the organization remains committed to empowering women and lifting underrepresented voices.
“This organization was named by the city of Atlanta 19 years ago after Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech,” Shaw Parker said. “If the city names you after something that strong, the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, you’ve got to live by those words.”
Shaw Parker also credited the team’s ownership group, including Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair and former Dream player Renee Montgomery, with helping transform the franchise and fuel its growth.
Playoff run underway
The Dream’s future may be bright, but the focus right now is on the court.
Atlanta entered Game 2 of its semifinal series against the New York Liberty with a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five matchup.
Team officials hope the combination of playoff success, star power and a future in State Farm Arena will help propel the franchise to new heights.