Atlanta's Dream House? Barbie comes to State Farm Arena tonight

WNBA player Angel Reese has only been in Atlanta for a few months — but she’s already leaving her mark.

Reese was traded to the Atlanta Dream in April from the Chicago Sky, marking her second WNBA team since joining the league as the number seven overall draft pick in 2024. The forward is now considered “one of the most dominant frontcourt players in the WNBA and one of the premier rebounders in league history,” according to the Dream.

Outside of her on-court success, Reese has become one of the faces of the league, and is an entrepreneur, philanthropist and role model for the next generation of female athletes.

Now, she’s been immortalized with a Barbie doll and the pink energy of girlhood is headed for State Farm Arena.
Barbie

In July, Mattel announced a new signature Angel Reese Barbie sporting Reebok’s Angel Reese 1 Basketball Shoes and pink gear, complete with a matching shoe set for fans.

The doll honors her work through the Angel C. Reese Foundation, as well as her skill on the court, as she “champions equity for girls and underrepresented communities that have historically been limited,” Mattel said.

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“Having my own Barbie doll is a true dream come true for me. It’s such an incredible honor because it’s about showing girls that there are no limits to what they can achieve,” Reese said in a statement. “I’ve never let anyone else define what’s possible for me, and every challenge I’ve faced has only made me stronger. I hope this doll reminds girls to be unapologetically themselves, embrace every part of who they are, and go after their dreams with confidence.”

Reese earned the nickname “Bayou Barbie” during her time at Louisiana State University, and at one point she and her legal team tried to trademark the name. The request hit the legal desk at Mattel and was ultimately denied, but the nickname stuck throughout her time at LSU. When her team won the NCAA women’s basketball national championship in 2023, the team’s social media account posted a photo of Reese in the style of the recent Barbie movie, and said “This Barbie is a National Champion.”

“From her on-court achievements and entrepreneurial leadership to her tireless advocacy for girls, Angel Reese is helping children see that confidence, ambition, and resilience can open countless doors. We’re proud to honor her through our Barbie Signature doll and collaboration with Reebok, giving fans new ways to celebrate Angel and all she represents,” Mattel Vice President and Head of Barbie, Nathan Baynard, said in a statement.

Only one other WNBA star, Sue Bird, has received a custom Barbie doll.
hosts ‘Barbie Game Day’

To celebrate the launch of the doll collaboration as well as Small Business Night, Atlanta Dream is hosting a “Barbie Game Day” on Monday, Aug. 3.

The game, which will also offer limited edition merchandise, will see the Atlanta Dream take on the Las Vegas Aces in State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

Tickets are on sale now, and the game will be streamed on Peacock, NBCSN and local television networks.
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Here’s a look at the Dream’s next ten games:

• Monday, Aug. 3 vs. Las Vegas Aces, State Farm Arena

• Wednesday, Aug. 5 vs. Phoenix Mercury, Gateway Center Arena

• Friday, Aug. 7 @ Washington Mystics

• Monday, Aug. 10 vs. Toronto Temp, Gateway Center Arena

• Thursday, Aug. 13 @ Connecticut Sun

• Sunday, Aug. 16 vs. Indiana Fever, State Farm Arena

• Tuesday, Aug. 18 @ Las Vegas Aces

• Thursday, Aug. 20 @ Los Angeles Sparks

Monday, Aug. 3 vs. Las Vegas Aces, State Farm Arena

Wednesday, Aug. 5 vs. Phoenix Mercury, Gateway Center Arena

Friday, Aug. 7 @ Washington Mystics

Monday, Aug. 10 vs. Toronto Temp, Gateway Center Arena

Thursday, Aug. 13 @ Connecticut Sun

Sunday, Aug. 16 vs. Indiana Fever, State Farm Arena

Thursday, Aug. 20 @ Los Angeles Sparks

The WNBA season runs from May to October.

Irene Wright covers Atlanta sports teams as the Atlanta Connect reporter with USA Today’s Deep South Connect team. Find her on X @IreneEWright or email her at ismith@usatodayco.com.