The Atlanta Dream, in collaboration with Cash App and ForgiveCo, announced the elimination of $10 million in debt for more than 3,500 families across Atlanta. The announcement was made on August 28, 2025, to coincide with the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
The initiative is designed to support economic empowerment in Atlanta’s communities and reflects the team’s ongoing commitment to community investment. Recipients of this debt relief have debts ranging from $500 to $80,000.
The Atlanta Dream’s name was chosen by community vote in 2008 as a tribute to Dr. King’s vision for equity and justice. The organization stated that today’s effort not only honors his legacy but also advances his belief that economic opportunity is central to justice.
“We believe sports is a catalyst for social change,” said Larry Gottesdiener, majority owner of the Atlanta Dream. “And we are proud to stand with Cash App and ForgiveCo to deliver real impact where it’s needed most. Together, we’re proving that sports teams can be powerful agents for transformation, rooted in purpose and committed to strengthening our communities.”
“At Cash App, we believe financial freedom should be accessible to everyone and this moment with the Atlanta Dream exemplifies our commitment to turning that belief into action,” said Zack Ashley, Head of Brand Partnerships at Cash App. “Together, we’re not just eliminating debt; we’re helping to build a future where Atlanta families have the foundation they need to thrive.”
“Behind every debt is a real person, a parent, a family under strain,” said Craig Antico, CEO of ForgiveCo. “What we do is more than eliminate balances. We give people room to breathe, hope to dream, and the reassurance that they don’t have to carry this burden alone.”
ForgiveCo partnered with the Atlanta Dream on identifying families from some of Atlanta’s most financially burdened neighborhoods based on demonstrated need. Using its model—acquiring qualifying consumer debt at reduced rates—ForgiveCo cancels entire balances for recipients.
To mark the occasion, the Atlanta Dream will host a girls’ basketball clinic at C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center in Adamsville—a neighborhood directly impacted by this relief effort—where participants will engage in skill stations and leadership lessons led by team staff members as well as representatives from Cash App.
Since its founding in 2008 as the Southeast’s only WNBA franchise playing at Gateway Center Arena @ College Park (https://dream.wnba.com), the Atlanta Dream has produced multiple All-Stars and playoff appearances.
Cash App offers various financial services including direct deposit options through partner banks such as Sutton Bank (Member FDIC), spending via personalized cards accepted where Visa is used (https://cash.app/download), savings features without hidden fees or minimum balance requirements—and supports investments through its subsidiary Cash App Investing LLC (member FINRA/SIPC).
ForgiveCo operates as a public benefit corporation providing advisory services focused on acquiring and canceling consumer debt while also guiding organizations on goodwill creation (https://forgiveco.com). Since 2011 ForgiveCo has forgiven over $21 billion in uncollectible debt for more than 13 million individuals.
Public benefit corporations like ForgiveCo are required by law both to serve their customers and pursue an additional mission benefiting society or specific communities.
Recipients selected for forgiveness do not need take any action; if someone does not wish their debt forgiven after receiving notice from ForgiveCo they may request reversal through provided contact details.
