Angel Reese Trade Creates Immediate Impact on WNBA Tickets

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Angel Reese Trade Creates Immediate Impact on WNBA Tickets

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 6:31 PM ET

Angel Reese hasn't played a single game for the Atlanta Dream yet and she's already moving the needle. The Chicago Sky dealt the 23-year-old two-time All-Star to Atlanta on Monday in exchange for first-round picks in 2027 and 2028 along with 2028 second-round swap rights.

For the Dream, it's a big swing at a championship. For the rest of the league, it's a reminder of just how much Reese's name carries.

Angel Reese Triggers Record Atlanta Dream Ticket Sales

According to StubHub, ticket demand for Atlanta Dream games jumped 15 times in a single day following the trade announcement. The biggest one-day surge in franchise history. That's not a coincidence. That is surely the Angel Reese Effect playing out in real time.

The production she brings backs up the hype. Reese has defended her rebounding title with 12.6 boards per game last season and is the only player in league history to average at least 12 rebounds in back-to-back seasons. She also led the entire league with 23 double-doubles while finishing as Chicago's top scorer and leading the team in assists.

Former Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, now with the Atlanta Dream.Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Reese did not push for a trade, and reports suggest the Sky kept her in the loop throughout the process. After back-to-back playoff misses, Chicago is moving in a new direction, and both sides handled the transition cleanly.

Angel Reese prepares for Atlanta Dream season opener

Now, Reese steps into an Atlanta roster that already has some bite. She'll line up alongside Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, forming a core that gives the Dream a real shot at going deep.

Atlanta finished last season at 30-14, which was good for third in the league but their playoff run ended earlier than expected against the Indiana Fever. Adding Reese changes what this team can realistically aim for.

The Dream open their season May 10 against the Minnesota Lynx before hitting the road to face Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings two days later. Their home opener comes May 17 at State Farm Arena against the defending champion Las Vegas Aces with a 3:00 p.m. ET tip.

That game also doubles as Reese's first appearance in front of Atlanta's home crowd. Given the ticket demand already building around her arrival it should be quite a welcome.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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