New Beginnings and Rising Stars: WNBA Season Kicks Off with Key Debuts
Angel Reese's Highly Anticipated Debut with the Atlanta Dream
Angel Reese is officially making her first appearance for the Atlanta Dream as they face the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday night in Minneapolis. Having been traded by the Chicago Sky just over a month ago, Reese participated in two preseason games. Now, the two-time All-Star and prominent rebounder is set to commence her inaugural season with her new team.
Reese's Journey to Atlanta and Championship Aspirations
Expressing her excitement about joining the Dream, Reese shared with ESPN, "How could you not be happy here? It just feels great. I always wanted to come to Atlanta. When you think of championship culture, playing next to these players, the coach (Karl Smesko), it just made sense." Reese's second WNBA season with the Sky saw her average 14.7 points and 12.6 rebounds per game, though her tenure ended amidst a half-game suspension for "statements detrimental to the team" and subsequent self-imposed absence due to back issues.
Atlanta Dream: A Force to Be Reckoned With
WNBA executives hold high expectations for the Dream's acquisition of Reese. In a preseason poll of the league's 15 general managers, the Atlanta Dream were ranked as the third favorite to win the championship, trailing only the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty. This potential victory would mark a historic first for the franchise, which already boasts All-Stars Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard in its backcourt.
Minnesota Lynx Prepare for a Challenging Season Start
The Lynx, a playoff contender in the previous two seasons, are entering the 2026 season without their central figure, Napheesa Collier, who is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and is expected to return in June.
Rookie Olivia Miles Steps into the Spotlight for the Lynx
In Collier's absence, the spotlight falls on the No. 2 overall draft pick, Olivia Miles. Her impressive college career at Notre Dame and TCU included averages of 15.6 points, 6.5 assists, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals over 139 games.
High Expectations for Miles and Mentorship from a Legend
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve made a bold comparison on draft night, stating that Miles is "the first real point guard we've had since Lindsay Whalen," referring to the franchise icon who retired after the 2018 season. Fortunately for Miles, she has the opportunity to learn directly from Whalen, who joined the coaching staff before the 2025 campaign. Miles eagerly expressed her desire to absorb knowledge: "She played on the dynasty team with Maya Moore, Seimone (Augustus) and all those greats. I can't wait to just be a sponge and just ask questions and be open-minded and be coachable.