Atlanta Dream Sign Brittney Griner in Historic Free Agent Acquisition

ATLANTA, Ga. (Feb. 1, 2025) – The Atlanta Dream have signed Brittney Griner, one of the most dominant and impactful players, on and off the court, in the history of the WNBA. The ten-time All-Star, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist and 2014 WNBA Champion adds elite talent, championship experience, and great character to the Dream’s roster.

“Brittney is the perfect fit for this team, this organization and this city,” said General Manager Dan Padover. “She brings Hall of Fame talent, championship presence and leadership to our organization. This is a monumental moment for our franchise.”

Griner, a 6’9” center and the No. 1 overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2013 WNBA Draft, has redefined the center position over her 11-year tenure. With career averages of 17.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, she ranks 18th all-time in points scored and third in total blocks, with 812. A two-time WNBA scoring champion, her ability to dominate both ends of the floor earning her six All-WNBA Team cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in league history. Griner played a pivotal role in the Mercury’s run to the 2014 WNBA Championship, where she earned Finals MVP honors.

“Atlanta felt like home the moment I started thinking about this next chapter,” said Griner. “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 championship pedigree extends beyond the WNBA. She led her high school team to the Texas 5A championship her senior year before leading Baylor to a perfect season and National Championship in 2012. She has represented her country internationally in two World Cups (2014 and 2018) and three Olympic Games, bringing home Olympic Gold Medals in 2016, 2020 and 2024. Beyond her on-court achievements, Griner is also a vocal advocate for equality and inclusion, becoming one of the most prominent figures in sports.

“Brittney is a Hall of Fame player who brings unmatched skill, productivity, and an incredible level of unselfishness to the court,” said Head Coach Karl Smesko. “Her leadership and selflessness will not only elevate our team but also enhance the chemistry and culture that we are cultivating.”

Griner joins a dynamic Atlanta Dream core featuring fellow Olympians Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, as well as 2x WNBA champion Jordin Canada. Howard and Gray are both two-time All-Stars, Canada is a 2 x All-Defensive First Team recipient and together with Griner, they form a formidable foundation for the Dream’s future.

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About the Atlanta Dream

Established in Atlanta in 2008, the Atlanta Dream is the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise, playing its home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. Dream games are telecast locally on Peachtree TV and simulcast on Peachtree Sports Network across the state of Georgia. Since 2009, Dream teams have produced 11 WNBA All-Stars, achieved 3 first-place regular-season finishes, earned 10 playoff bids and made 3 WNBA finals appearances. For more information about the Dream, visit dream.wnba.com and follow @AtlantaDream on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Atlanta Dream Signs Holly Winterburn to Training Camp Contract

ATLANTA (February 5, 2025) – The Atlanta Dream have signed guard Holly Winterburn to a training camp contract, the organization announced today.

Winterburn, a 5-foot-11 guard from Northampton, England, is a three-time WBBL Young Player of the Year and a 2024 EuroCup Women Champion. She has represented Great Britain in multiple FIBA competitions, earning All-Star Five honors at the U20 European Championships. Most recently, she played for Beşiktaş JK in Turkey’s Super League after a successful stint with the London Lions.

“Holly is a versatile guard with extensive professional and international experience,” said Atlanta Dream General Manager Dan Padover. “We’re excited to see her compete at this level.”

Winterburn previously played collegiately at the University of Oregon before returning to the UK, where she excelled in the Women’s British Basketball League (WBBL).

Training camp for the Atlanta Dream begins in April as the team prepares for the 2025 WNBA season. Atlanta will tip off the 2025 regular season on Friday, May 16, against the Washington Mystics at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C., at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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About the Atlanta Dream

Established in Atlanta in 2008, the Atlanta Dream is the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise, playing its home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. Dream games are telecast locally on Peachtree TV and simulcast on Peachtree Sports Network across the state of Georgia. Since 2009, Dream teams have produced 11 WNBA All-Stars, achieved 3 first-place regular-season finishes, earned ten playoff bids and made 3 WNBA finals appearances. For more information about the Dream, visit dream.wnba.com and follow @AtlantaDream on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Atlanta Dream Elevates Marketing and Creative Vision with Key Leadership Additions

ATLANTA, Ga. (March 17, 2025) – The Atlanta Dream announced today the hiring of Hannah Kronick Spencer as Vice President of Marketing and Consumer Insights and Kaila Pettis (known professionally as KP) as Senior Director of Brand and Creative. These strategic additions bring together two innovative industry leaders whose expertise in branding, digital content, and fan engagement will energize the Dream’s marketing, fan growth and creative initiatives at every level.

“As we continue to elevate the Atlanta Dream’s presence both on and off the court, Hannah and KP bring unparalleled vision, creativity, and leadership to our brand,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, President and COO. “Both have unique expertise in building strong, culture-driven sports brands, which will be instrumental as we anchor the Dream brand at the epicenter of sport, entertainment and community.”

Spencer brings more than a decade of experience in audience growth, fan engagement, and revenue acceleration to her new role. Most recently, she spearheaded fan growth and engagement initiatives at the U.S. Soccer Federation, overseeing key initiatives such as Insiders, the Federation’s loyalty and membership program, matchday marketing efforts that drove interest and sales for U.S. Soccer’s national team matches nationwide, and fan engagement efforts that deepened relationships with key audiences.

This is Spencer’s second tenure with the organization, having served for nearly two years in roles leading the Dream’s sales marketing and brand strategy. Earlier in her career, Spencer grew her expertise in innovative and data-driven marketing through transformative experiences in a variety of roles at Twitter and ESPN. Spencer holds a MBA from Emory University and a BA from Johns Hopkins University, where she was a collegiate athlete and captained the women’s soccer team. She is an alumna of prestigious LEAD Atlanta program (Class of 2024) and a head coach for a U16 girls’ soccer team at Inter Atlanta FC.

“I’m incredibly energized to return to the Dream and lead the brand into this next phase of growth,” said Spencer. “I’m deeply committed to this organization’s role as a leader in women’s sports in Atlanta, and I’m eager to build on our momentum and create even more impactful brand experiences for our fans.”

KP joins the Dream bringing deep expertise to Atlanta’s sports and creative culture. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Brand and Creative at FC Cincinnati, where she redefined the club’s identity and creative strategy by building its digital department and overseeing all aspects of the brand, from retail to in-stadium and digital creative assets. Before that, she played a key role with Atlanta United and the Atlanta Falcons creative campaigns including United’s playoff and kit launch campaigns. With experience leading teams, developing innovative brand strategies, and driving high-impact ideation across multiple NCAA programs and professional sports organizations, KP is known for crafting culture-driven creative that energizes the fan base and builds lasting connections for the communities within.

“The Dream represent everything I believe in—bold storytelling, pushing creative boundaries, and making an impact,” said KP. “Atlanta is the epicenter of culture, and I can’t wait to bring fresh, authentic perspectives that reflect the heartbeat of this city and its connection to the game.”

A trailblazer in the industry, KP made history in 2021 as the first Black female Creative Director in professional sports, a testament to her leadership and influence in shaping the future of sports branding. As the co-founder of LCKR ROOM, a creative agency dedicated to amplifying underrepresented talent, she remains deeply committed to mentorship and expanding opportunities for minority creatives in the sports industry.

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About the Atlanta Dream

Established in Atlanta in 2008, the Atlanta Dream is the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise, playing its home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park. Dream games are telecast locally on Peachtree TV and simulcast on Peachtree Sports Network across the state of Georgia. Since 2009, Dream teams have produced 11 WNBA All-Stars, achieved 3 first-place regular-season finishes, earned 10 playoff bids and made 3 WNBA finals appearances. For more information about the Dream, visit dream.wnba.com and follow @AtlantaDream on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.