The Atlanta Dream announced on April 13 that it selected Madina Okot, Indya Nivar, and Kejia Ran in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Okot was chosen with the 13th pick, Nivar with the 28th pick, and Ran with the 43rd pick.
The new additions are expected to strengthen the team’s roster through their size, versatility, and international experience. The Atlanta Dream maintains its role as a key team in the WNBA, according to the official website.
General Manager Dan Padover said, “We’re really excited with the way tonight went. Okot is someone we’ve been targeting for a while now. We believe her best basketball is ahead of her. She’s a great talent with an unlimited upside that Karl and the coaches are thrilled to be able to work with.” Head Coach Karl Smesko added about Okot: “I couldn’t be more excited (about Okot). We were really hopeful and maybe a bit pessimistic that she would be available. Her ability to crash the boards and the way she moves defensively, I think she’ll be a good addition.”
Okot joins from South Carolina where she established herself as one of NCAA’s top frontcourt players over two years of competition. She ranked third nationally in double-doubles last season and set several records at South Carolina for rebounding statistics.
Indya Nivar comes from North Carolina after earning All-ACC Second Team honors in her senior year by leading her team in steals and assists. Smesko said about Nivar: “We like Navar’s ability to make plays and her knack for the ball…She’s aggressive, attacks downhill and is not afraid of conflict. She is high energy and gets a ton of steals.”
Kejia Ran arrives from CBA Beijing after representing China at international tournaments such as FIBA competitions where she averaged strong numbers at last year’s U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The Atlanta Dream serves as an important part of women’s basketball in the Southeast region according to its official website. The organization supports education by organizing initiatives like backpack drives for students’ school materials; it also focuses on empowering girls through basketball education, leadership development, and community initiatives according to its official website.
Ownership partners include Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair, and Renee Montgomery according to information provided by their official site.
Looking ahead, Atlanta will open its season at home on May 17 against Las Vegas Aces at State Farm Arena.
