Dreams can change lives—and the U.S. political landscape. And in 2020, WNBA team the Atlanta Dream did both.
Just ahead of the 27th WNBA season tip-off, Amazon Prime Video has ordered a documentary film Power of the Dream that details how the team took on their owner, and permanently altered Georgia politics.
“We believe in the power of women’s sports to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, and remain committed to amplifying women’s voices,” said Marie Donoghue, vp of global sports video at Amazon, in a statement. “Our investment in women’s sports extends beyond our live coverage, as we’re dedicated to highlighting storytelling about female athletes, and empowering female leadership in front of and behind the camera.
“With the extension of our WNBA deal, we are thrilled to bring the excitement of women’s basketball to Prime members once again, and look forward to continuing to champion storytelling in women’s sports.”
While WNBA players have long been at the forefront of social justice movements in sports, the Dream took action after Georgia senator—and Dream co-owner—Kelly Loeffler publicly criticized the league’s support of the Black Lives Matter movement. More than 70% of WNBA players are Black.
In an effort to elect Rev. Raphael Warnock to the U.S. Senate, players took to the court donning “Vote Warnock” pregame warm-up shirts, and the league dedicated its 2020 season to Breonna Taylor, who was killed by Louisville, Ky. police during a drug raid.
The movement quickly spread beyond the WNBA, generating massive momentum for Warnock, an endorsement from former President Barack Obama, and a runoff election win.
Six weeks later, Loeffler sold the franchise. Part of the investor group includes Renee Montgomery—a former Dream player, and the first retired player to become both an owner and a WNBA executive.
The documentary comes from Industrial Media, Trilogy Films, Joy Mill Entertainment and Togethxr. It is produced by Dawn Porter, Adweek cover star Tracee Ellis Ross and WNBA stars Sue Bird and Nneka Ogwumike.
