Veteran forward DeWanna Bonner reaches WNBA Finals with Atlanta Dream
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The gist
Atlanta signed veteran forward DeWanna Bonner in late August and reached the WNBA Finals, now tied 1-1.
Bonner, 39, brings 103 playoff games of experience to a young Dream roster.
Background
DeWanna Bonner is a 39-year-old WNBA forward, a two-time champion and six-time All-Star now with the Atlanta Dream. She began the 2026 season with the Phoenix Mercury, then reached a buyout agreement with Phoenix after the Mercury were eliminated from playoff contention and signed with Atlanta days later, seeking a playoff team. The Dream are in the WNBA Finals for the fourth time in franchise history and their first since 2013.
How it unfolded
- 2009Bonner made her WNBA debut and won her first championship.
- July 2017Bonner gave birth to twin daughters Cali and Demi and missed the entire 2017 season.
- Jun 25, 2025The Indiana Fever waived Bonner after listing her as away for personal reasons; she said the fit did not work out.
- 2026 seasonBonner joined the Atlanta Dream after reaching a buyout agreement with the Phoenix Mercury.
- Aug 24, 2026The Mercury released Bonner just before the deadline for player playoff eligibility from waivers.
- Aug 27, 2026Bonner signed with the Dream for the remainder of the season.
- Oct 19, 2026The Dream won Game 2, 79-65, tying the Finals 1-1; Bonner had nine points and four steals off the bench.
- Oct 21, 2026Game 3 is scheduled at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Dream general manager Dan Padover said Phoenix and Bonner worked out a deal allowing her a postseason run, and that a mini-free agency followed with several teams pursuing her.
- Expert
- Dream rookie Isobel Borlase said Bonner has played more playoff games than she has regular-season games, calling her experience something you can't buy and a calming but motivating voice in the locker room.
- Support
- Bonner said her kids tell her to go try to win the trophy and that they will be waiting when she gets home, adding they haven't witnessed a title yet.
Still unverified
Bonner has not announced retirement plans, but many fans suspect it may be as soon as this year, and sources describe 2026 as potentially her final season.