Holly Winterburn Learns She’s Off the WNBA Team Just Before Her First Game
Former Atlanta Dream Player Waived Hours Before Season Opener
In a striking turn of events, Holly Winterburn, recently named to the Atlanta Dream’s 2026 roster, was informed of her release just hours before the team’s season opener. This late-breaking decision has raised eyebrows in the sports community as players navigate the intense competition of the WNBA.
Winterburn, who learned of her waiver while boarding the bus for her first official game, expressed her surprise in a social media post. “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,” she remarked on her Instagram story. “But that’s the reality of this business & I will always be grateful for the opportunity Atlanta gave me.”
The decision to waive Winterburn was made to make room for Aaliyah Nye on the roster. Winterburn had shown promise during the preseason, notably scoring 12 points with 2 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals against the Washington Mystics just days prior.
Though her time with the Dream was short-lived, Winterburn’s professional journey is not over. She recently signed a developmental player contract with the Portland Fire, signaling that her aspirations in the WNBA remain intact.
Winterburn’s path to this point has been tumultuous. After playing for the Oregon Ducks during the 2019-2020 season, which was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, she joined the Dream in 2025 but missed the season due to injury. Her strong preseason performance had led many to believe she would secure a lasting role with the team.
The sudden nature of roster changes in the WNBA is not uncommon. Last year, Belgian guard Julie Vanloo was cut by the Golden State Valkyries shortly after landing in San Francisco, having flown back to the U.S. for the season. Similarly, Karlie Samuelson learned of her trade to the Minnesota Lynx upon landing while traveling as a member of the Washington Mystics.
Winterburn’s experience underscores the fierce competitiveness of the WNBA, where roster decisions can change rapidly, often leaving players shocked and scrambling to adapt.
