Atlanta, GA – May 10, 2025 – Fans eagerly anticipating the Indiana Fever’s preseason clash against the Atlanta Dream at Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, were met with disappointment today as the game was postponed due to severe weather conditions sweeping through the Atlanta metropolitan area. The WNBA announced the rescheduling early Saturday morning, citing safety concerns for players, staff, and fans as thunderstorms, high winds, and potential flash flooding threatened the region.
The highly anticipated matchup, set to tip off at 3:00 p.m. EDT, was expected to draw a significant crowd, with the Fever’s star-studded roster featuring back-to-back WNBA Rookie of the Year winners Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark, alongside All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell, DeWanna Bonner, and Natasha Howard. The Dream, coming off consecutive playoff appearances, boasted their own formidable lineup, bolstered by offseason acquisitions like ten-time All-Star Brittney Griner, three-time All-Star Brionna Jones, and WNBA champion Shatori Walker-Kimbrough. The game was poised to be a thrilling preview of the 2025 WNBA season, but Mother Nature had other plans.
According to the National Weather Service, a powerful storm system moved into North Georgia overnight, bringing heavy rain, lightning, and wind gusts exceeding 50 mph. The forecast warned of hazardous travel conditions and the risk of localized flooding, prompting local officials to issue a severe weather advisory for Fulton County and surrounding areas. With Gateway Center Arena located in College Park, just south of downtown Atlanta, the WNBA, in consultation with local authorities and both teams, made the decision to postpone the game to ensure the safety of all involved.
“We are disappointed to postpone today’s game, but the safety of our players, staff, and fans is our top priority,” said Atlanta Dream Majority Owner Larry Gottesdiener in a statement. “We appreciate the understanding of our fans and are working diligently to reschedule this exciting matchup.” The Indiana Fever echoed the sentiment, with Fever President Dr. Allison Barber adding, “Our team was ready to take the court, but we fully support the league’s decision. We look forward to facing the Dream soon and giving our fans the game they deserve.”
The postponement marks a rare disruption in the WNBA’s preseason schedule, as weather-related cancellations are uncommon for indoor sports. However, the severity of the storm and the potential risks associated with travel to and from the arena left the league with little choice. Fans who had purchased tickets through platforms like SeatGeek and Ticketmaster were informed that their tickets would be honored for the rescheduled date, with refunds available for those unable to attend. Specific details regarding the new date and time are expected to be announced within the next few days, with the league aiming to accommodate both teams’ packed preseason schedules.
For the Fever, the game was to serve as their final preseason test before their regular-season opener against the Chicago Sky on May 17 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The team, led by new head coach Stephanie White, a former WNBA Coach of the Year, has been generating buzz after a transformative offseason. The addition of veteran talent like Bonner and Howard, combined with the dynamic play of Clark and Boston, has positioned the Fever as a potential contender in 2025. Clark, in particular, was expected to draw significant attention in Atlanta, following her record-breaking rookie campaign.
The Dream, meanwhile, were set to showcase their revamped roster under new head coach Karl Smesko, whose .843 winning percentage in NCAA Division I women’s basketball ranks among the best in history. With Griner anchoring the paint and All-Stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray providing firepower on the perimeter, the Dream are aiming to build on their recent playoff success and make a deeper run in 2025. The preseason game was an opportunity to test their chemistry against a formidable opponent, but fans will now have to wait a little longer to see the new-look Dream in action.
As the storm system moves out of the Atlanta area, both teams are shifting their focus to the rescheduled game. For fans, the postponement is a minor setback in what promises to be an electrifying WNBA season. The Fever and Dream are scheduled to meet multiple times during the regular season, including May 22 at State Farm Arena and June 10 at Gateway Center Arena, ensuring plenty of opportunities for these two talented squads to square off. In the meantime, the WNBA and local officials are working to finalize a new date for the preseason matchup, with hopes of delivering the high-energy showdown fans were expecting.
For updates on the rescheduled game and ticket information, fans are encouraged to visit the official WNBA website or follow the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream on social media.
