By Clare S. Richie
Sports are a significant part of our culture. Our children play sports at an earlier age, adults try to stay fit longer, business is conducted courtside, and we root for the home team. Yet the WNBA Atlanta Dream is still trying to gain our attention. Ashley Preisinger, a business and community leader just named Atlanta Dream CEO last October, is eager to change that. This summer, she wants you to come to Phillips Arena to cheer on the best female professional basketball talent in the world and join the loyal Dream fans already in the know.
As CEO, Preisinger oversees all aspects of the team such as sales, finance and basketball operations. New to the sports world, Preisinger is extremely upbeat about her transition. “There are similar elements – working on promotions, staying on top of finances, reporting to owners – but when you overlay that with a sports team, it’s a lot more fun,” she said.
Preisinger has big plans for the Dream’s sixth season, which kicks of May 25 in a home opener against the Tulsa Shock. “A challenge for my ‘rookie season’ is to increase awareness and maintain a high quality game experience.” Fan loyalty to the Dream is “off the charts” and those who attend their first game want to come back. So, if the Dream can entice more folks to experience a game – they’ll be hooked.
She’s seen this before. As co-chair of the Georgia Shakespeare Foundation Board of Trustees, Preisinger faced similar challenges of how to promote a strong product that was well regarded by those who sampled it, but in need of more outreach. Under her guidance, last spring’s Shakespeare in the Park offered limited reserved seating and this May 1-5 showing of Much Ado About Nothing has some advanced purchase tickets.
The timing is perfect for increasing awareness for the Dream. This young WNBA team has a lot to be proud of and yet something still to prove. In just five seasons, the Dream has qualified for the playoffs four times, winning the Eastern Conference twice. But falling short in the finals twice has left them hungry to bring home the WNBA championship.
In addition, the upcoming 17th WNBA season, of the longest-running women’s professional sports league, should be as exciting as its first. That’s because the “3 to See”, college superstars Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins, are joining the WNBA. These much-hyped rookies are sure to create a buzz when each comes to play Atlanta Dream’s Angel McCoughtry.
Another priority for Preisinger and her players is “giving back to the community.” She plans to build upon the Dream’s commitment to inspire youth off the court. Several times a week, Dream players are in the community despite full practice and game schedule. You may see team members at your neighborhood school, afterschool program, or recreation center, promoting “Being Fit,” increased literacy or working hard to achieve results.
Preisinger understands the positive impact of her player’s as real and accessible role models. Her daughters, Katie,13, and Brooke,11, are already in awe. In fact, when Katie made her school’s basketball team after three days of try outs, she asked her mother to let Dream player Mintie Price know.
Ask Preisinger if her successful career, community involvement, and varied interests make her a role model for young women and she is quick to tell you how lucky she is and to share the credit with her family. “My parents’ support helped me believe ‘I can do anything’ and my husband and daughters have encouraged me to ‘go for it’ at every turn.” She has the support, experience and drive to grow this franchise.
For the Atlanta Dream’s schedule, tickets and more information, visit wnba.com/dream.
