The Atlanta Dream's decision to trade for Angel Reese is looking better by the day—both on the court and at the box office. While critics have often questioned her impact, StubHub's latest numbers tell a different story entirely.
Back in April, the Dream acquired Reese from the Chicago Sky in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028. It was a bold move, but it's paid off in spades. Reese finished the 2026 regular season averaging 16.4 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, and she just added the Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award to her resume—a first for her young career.
“I told my coaches earlier in the season I am going to be the Defensive Player of the Year,” Reese told ESPN. “I don’t know if it’s going to be this year, I don’t know if it’s going to be next year, but I’m challenging myself, and I want you guys to challenge me every day to be that. And here it is.”
But her influence goes beyond stats and trophies. According to StubHub, Atlanta's ticket demand has risen 91% this season—the largest increase of any WNBA team. The platform also noted that the Dream have drawn 48% more fans from outside Georgia, a clear sign of Reese's national appeal.
“Atlanta Dream ticket demand has risen 91% in Angel Reese’s first season with the team, the largest jump in the WNBA from last season, and they’ve also drawn 48% more fans from outside of Georgia,” StubHub wrote on X. “The Angel Reese effect is real.”
That effect was on full display in Wednesday's Game 2 against the Liberty. Reese led the Dream to a 2-0 series lead with 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting, proving she can deliver when it matters most. “I think we did a great job making sure that we were all on the connected stream,” she said. “We really stayed together and played together, and that’s how we won.”
For those who still doubt her value, the numbers don't lie. Reese has not only elevated Atlanta's play but also its bottom line. This surge in ticket sales echoes the broader trend of fans voting with their wallets, and it's a lesson in how star power can transform a franchise.
As the Dream prepare for Game 3 on Friday, one thing is clear: the critics can keep talking, but StubHub's data has already given the final word.
