Story perspectives

1996 Olympic Team Hall of Fame; Boston, Mitchell sign extensions

4/23/2026

Summary

1996 Team Inducted

The 1996 Olympic Basketball Team, which went 60-0 and defeated Brazil 111-87 for gold in Atlanta, will be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield August 14-15, 2026.
The league’s 11-year, $2.2 billion rights deal will stream 44 games, enabling Indiana to sign Aliyah Boston to a four-year, $6.3 million extension and Kelsey Mitchell to a one-year, $1.4 million supermax.
WNBA All-Star Game July 25, 2026 in Chicago and Fever Opening Day May 9, 2026 will be televised.

Summary

Dream Roster Shuffle

The Atlanta Dream traded 2027 and 2028 picks to Chicago for forward Angel Reese and re-signed guard Jordin Canada to a $650,000 deal.
Dream selected 6-ft-6 in Madina Okot with 13th pick, added two guards, and lost Maya Caldwell and Nyadiew Puoch in expansion draft.
The new CBA adds two developmental slots for 2026, and coach Karl Smesko placed second in Coach of the Year voting behind coach Natalie Nakase.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. men's basketball team, known as Dream Team III, won gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, achieving a perfect 60-0 record. This victory, featuring stars like Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, significantly boosted basketball's global popularity. The success of the 1996 team laid the groundwork for the ongoing evolution of women's basketball, as seen in recent WNBA developments and player contracts.

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1996 Team Inducted

The 1996 Olympic Basketball Team, which went 60-0 and defeated Brazil 111-87 for gold in Atlanta, will be inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield August 14-15, 2026.
The league’s 11-year, $2.2 billion rights deal will stream 44 games, enabling Indiana to sign Aliyah Boston to a four-year, $6.3 million extension and Kelsey Mitchell to a one-year, $1.4 million supermax.
WNBA All-Star Game July 25, 2026 in Chicago and Fever Opening Day May 9, 2026 will be televised.

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