Every WNBA player dreams of a memorable debut, but for Holly Winterburn, the moment came in the harshest way possible. After spending an entire year battling back from injury, the British guard was set to start the 2026 season alongside Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. But just as she was about to board the team bus for the first regular-season game, she learned she had been waived.
On May 7, the Dream announced their final roster, describing it as “a blend of established stars, rising young talent and key offseason additions.” For Winterburn, that announcement felt like the payoff for a long recovery. Yet, before she could step onto the court in a regular-season game, the franchise let her go.
Rather than staying silent, the 24-year-old guard addressed the emotional moment head-on. “I thought my welcome to the W moment would happen on the court, not as I’m getting on the bus for my first ever game. But that’s the reality of this business & I will always be grateful for the opportunity Atlanta gave me,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “I’m built for this. Thank you to everyone who has checked in on me & sent love. Everything happens for a reason and I’m so excited for what’s next.”
Winterburn’s journey to the WNBA began in 2025 when Atlanta signed her to a training camp contract under the rookie scale. A three-time WBBL Young Player of the Year, EuroCup Women champion with the London Lions, and a key contributor for Great Britain in FIBA competition, she showcased tantalizing upside. Dream general manager Dan Padover noted at the time, “Holly is a versatile guard with extensive professional and international experience. We’re excited to see her compete at this level.”
But a serious injury forced Winterburn to miss the entire 2025 season. Atlanta retained her exclusive rights, offering hope that the organization still viewed her as part of the future. That hope surged this preseason when she recorded 12 points, two rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 22 minutes against the Washington Mystics. She looked confident and aggressive on both ends.
Yet, just as that momentum was set to carry into the regular season, Winterburn was waived while boarding the team bus for Atlanta’s opener against the Minnesota Lynx. The reason? The Dream claimed guard Aaliyah Nye off waivers. Nye had just won a championship with the Las Vegas Aces in 2025. In making room for Nye, Atlanta waived Winterburn.
The move drew sympathy from many fans, given how close Winterburn came to finally stepping onto a WNBA court after waiting through an entire season. Meanwhile, the Dream wasted no time transitioning into action. They opened the 2026 campaign with a thrilling 91–90 win over the Lynx.
In that game, Angel Reese made an immediate impact with 11 points, 14 rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and two assists. While her shooting touch is still developing after a recent trade from the Chicago Sky, Reese made her presence felt in every other area. Her defining moment came in the closing seconds when she perfectly rotated to block a potential game-winning layup, sealing Atlanta’s comeback win.
After the game, Reese admitted she was “rough” personally but expressed confidence in the system and support around her. Now, with the season underway, attention turns to whether the Dream can build on this momentum as Reese settles into her new role.