The Atlanta Dream will begin their first WNBA semi-final appearance since 2018 on Sunday when they host Breanna Stewart and the New York Liberty in Game 1 of a best-of-five series at State Farm Arena.
Atlanta reached the last four by sweeping the Washington Mystics, securing their first play-off series victory since 2016. New York advanced after eliminating the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, becoming the first eighth seed in WNBA history to defeat a number one seed. ([dream.wnba.com](https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-advances-to-wnba-playoff-semifinals-with-win-in-washington?utm_source=openai))
The opening game is scheduled for 2pm local time on October 4, with State Farm Arena providing a far larger stage than the Dream’s usual home at Gateway Center Arena in College Park. The downtown venue has a basketball capacity of 16,888, compared with roughly 3,500 at the Dream’s regular home. ([statefarmarena.com](https://www.statefarmarena.com/events/detail/atlanta-dream-wnba-playoffs-semifinals-game-1-tickets-atlanta-georgia-2027))
Atlanta’s main weapon has been an aggressive defence led by Angel Reese, who was named the 2026 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year on Thursday. The Dream led the league with 9.1 steals per game during the regular season and converted 27 points from turnovers in their opening play-off win against Washington. ([dream.wnba.com](https://dream.wnba.com/))
Reese will be supported by Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, while veteran DeWanna Bonner adds considerable post-season experience after joining the team in late August. Bonner has played in 98 WNBA play-off games, according to the Dream, and scored 13 points from the bench in Atlanta’s opening-round victory over Washington. ([dream.wnba.com](https://dream.wnba.com/news/atlanta-dream-signs-two-time-wnba-champion-dewanna-bonner?utm_source=openai))
The Dream won the final two regular-season meetings between the sides, including victories over New York on September 21 and September 23. Those results helped Atlanta secure the fourth seed, although Stewart was rested for the second contest. ([wnba.com](https://www.wnba.com/game/atl-vs-nyl-1022600317?utm_source=openai))
Atlanta president and chief executive Morgan Shaw Parker has urged supporters to create a hostile atmosphere for the Liberty.
“We need that Atlanta crowd loud and proud,” she said. “We’re really making sure that we’re connecting with our fans one-on-one. Thinking also about 2027 and making sure that we’re ready for that, but really focusing day-by-day on what do we need to be able to do to get to the next round.”
The Dream will host Game 2 and, if required, Game 5 in Atlanta. The venue for a potential WNBA Finals home game remains uncertain because of a concert scheduled during the third game of the finals and the Atlanta Hawks’ home opener during Game 4.
