The Atlanta Dream aren’t wasting any time working to lock in a title-contending core. All-WNBA First Team guard Allisha Gray is finalizing a three-year max-plus deal to remain in Atlanta, signaling a clear commitment to sustaining one of the league’s fastest-rising groups.
Gray’s extension comes on the heels of a career-defining 2025 season, where she averaged 18.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.0 assists while finishing top-four in MVP voting. More importantly, what made Gray’s season stand out was her efficiency. She shot 45.1 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from three, both among the best marks of her career. As a result, Atlanta is now investing in her to continue that rise as they build off a 30-win season that ended with the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
Atlanta Doubles Down on its Franchise Centerpiece
Under first-year head coach Karl Smesko, the Atlanta Dream reshaped its offense, and Gray became the engine. For example, her 6.1 three-point attempts per game marked a career high, showing a clear shift toward spacing, tempo, and more aggressive play. Because of that, it unlocked a new level in her game.
As Gray grew into a perennial All-Star, the Dream outperformed expectations across the board. In turn, after spending her first six seasons with the Dallas Wings, she has now fully transitioned into a franchise-level centerpiece in Atlanta.
There’s also a timing factor here. At 31, Gray is firmly in her prime. That means the Dream aren’t paying for past production. Instead, they are investing in a player still rising within a system built around her strengths. Simply put, Atlanta identified its best player, built around her, and is now securing that foundation long-term.
A Loaded Core Around Allisha Gray Raises Championship Ceiling
Gray’s deal doesn’t exist in isolation. Instead, it’s part of a broader roster build that’s quickly becoming one of the most intriguing in the WNBA. Atlanta is also bringing back Brionna Jones while pairing Gray with a high-upside core that includes Rhyne Howard, Brittney Griner, and newly acquired star forward Angel Reese. Together, that mix brings scoring, interior strength, and defensive versatility.
In particular, Reese adds another layer of intrigue. The All-Star forward has already established herself as one of the league’s most dominant rebounders, averaging over 12 boards per game across her first two seasons. At the same time, her growth as a scorer, improving her two-point efficiency to 47.8 percent, shows there’s still another level to reach.
Meanwhile, Jones and Griner provide a strong interior presence that complements Atlanta’s perimeter firepower. Because of that, the Dream now have lineup flexibility. They can play big, play fast, or shift between both depending on matchups. However, expectation versus reality still matters. Atlanta’s 2025 breakout ended in a first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Fever. That loss exposed a gap between regular-season success and postseason execution. Now, this offseason is about closing that gap.
There’s also a league-wide angle to this move. Under the new WNBA CBA, max and supermax contracts are climbing into seven-figure territory, raising the stakes for roster building. Because of that, Atlanta Dream’s decision to keep Gray at a max-plus level, just below the supermax, reflects both her value and the team’s financial strategy. It allows the Dream to keep flexibility while still rewarding their top player.
Ultimately, this isn’t just a re-signing, it’s a signal. Atlanta believes its current core can win now, and more importantly, they believe Allisha Gray can lead the way.
Atlanta Dream Lock In Championship Core With Allisha Gray Deal