{
  "id": 12854518,
  "title": "StubHub confirms Angel Reese ticket sales amid false Dream attendance claim",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/stubhub-confirms-angel-reese-ticket-sales-amid-false-dream-attendance",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-08T11:20:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/stubhub-confirms-angel-reese-ticket-112000644.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As debate continues about attendance figures, StubHub's new metrics provide clear evidence of Angel Reese's impact on the league. Reese's transition to the Atlanta Dream has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the team's \"sellout\" claims, alleging that upper-bowl sections were curtained off and attendance fell below 10,000 at the 17,000-seat State Farm Arena. Skeptics used this information to challenge the notion that Reese's presence was driving box-office sales.\n\nHowever, StubHub's data refutes these claims, revealing a staggering 91% increase in ticket sales under Reese's leadership, the largest jump in the WNBA compared to last season. This surge in demand is not limited to Georgia fans, as out-of-state ticket buyers rose by 48%, signaling a broader appeal for the Atlanta Dream. StubHub's official statement to X highlighted, \"Atlanta Dream ticket demand has risen 91% in Angel Reese’s first season with the team, the largest jump in the WNBA from last season, and they’ve also drawn 48% more fans from outside of Georgia. The Angel Reese effect is real.\"\n\nReese's influence extends beyond attendance numbers, as she continues to shatter records and draw sold-out crowds. Her performance on the court, coupled with her ability to attract new fans, is helping to expand the WNBA's reach. Regardless of personal opinions about Reese, her draw is undoubtedly attracting a new generation of basketball enthusiasts to women's basketball.",
  "summary": "Critics can debate the attendance figures all day, but StubHub’s new metrics leave little room for doubt about Angel Reese. Angel Reese’s star power is undeniably reshaping the league, but her move to Atlanta sparked real online heat during the Dream’s playoff series against the New York Liberty at State Farm Arena.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Reese scores 23, Hillmon makes go-ahead basket in OT as Dream beat Liberty 101-98 for a 2-0 lead",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/reese-scores-23-hillmon-makes-go-ahead-basket-in-ot-as-dream-beat",
        "published": "2026-10-08T02:20:04.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Liberty fall to 0-2 in semifinals against Dream after 101-98 loss in overtime",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/liberty-fall-to-0-2-in-semifinals-against-dream-after-101-98-loss-in",
        "published": "2026-10-08T02:28:35.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}