The 2026 WNBA season already features significant intrigue after Angel Reese’s shocking trade to the Atlanta Dream recently.
The former LSU Tigers superstar is entering her third professional season following a standout collegiate career. However, Reese’s new adventure in Atlanta is already yielding massive results for her new franchise.
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Tickets distributing platform StubHub revealed Thursday that the Dream are seeing an increase of over 15 times its normal ticket sales since Reese’s trade announcement.
Atlanta Dream ticket demand spiked 15x after trading for Angel Reese, the largest single day spike in franchise history.
The Angel Reese Effect is real.
(: @Reese10Angel) pic.twitter.com/hH4ZJNGcP4
— StubHub (@StubHub) April 9, 2026
The outspoken forward was drafted seventh overall by the Sky back in 2024 prior to Chicago’s shocking trade. Many women’s basketball fans were left stunned by Atlanta’s acquisition just weeks after the league’s new CBA deal.
Reese is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in the WNBA, alongside notable scorers like Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Plum and Sabrina Ionescu. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever boast several top talents like Clark, Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull.
However, the 23 year old is also significantly popular for her off-court abilities in addition to her physical play. Reese recently featured in a stunning Victoria’s Secret campaign that took over New York City.
Meanwhile, Atlanta’s move for Reese immediately makes her the most-recognized player in the Dream locker room. Fans can immediately latch on to their new superstar after the franchise averaged just over 4,400 fans a season ago.
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It’s clear that Reese’s presence makes the Dream one of the biggest draws in the WNBA despite Atlanta’s playoff push in 2025. The Dream posted the third-best record in the entire league during the regular season.
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese drives to the basket against Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
However, the Southeast squad failed to give local fans the star power that they desire. The addition of Reese immediately fixes that problem and provides Atlanta with one of the most exciting players in the WNBA.
Reese’s “Unapologetically Angel” podcast is also making the WNBA star a must-watch figure when she’s not balling out on the court. She is one of several top players that continues to build their own sports media presence.
