MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — St. Albans native and multiple state champion at South Charleston and Capital High Schools Renee Montgomery is the first former WNBA player to have an ownership stake in a league franchise.
The WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors have unanimously approved the sale of the Atlanta Dream to Larry Gottesdiener, Chairman of Northland, an industry-leading national real estate firm. The three-member investor group is comprised of former Dream star Renee Montgomery, Northland President and Chief Operating Officer Suzanne Abair, and Gottesdiener.
“My Dream has come true,” said Montgomery. “Breaking barriers for minorities and women by being the first former WNBA player to have both a stake in ownership and a leadership role with the team is an opportunity that I take very seriously. I invite you to join me as the Dream builds momentum in Atlanta!”
“With the unanimous WNBA and NBA votes, today marks a new beginning for the Atlanta Dream organization and we are very pleased to welcome Larry Gottesdiener and Suzanne Abair to the WNBA,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “I admire their passion for women’s basketball, but more importantly, have been impressed with their values. I am also thrilled that former WNBA star Renee Montgomery will be joining the ownership group as an investor and executive for the team. Renee is a trailblazer who has made a major impact both in the game and beyond.”
Montgomery retired on February 9 after an 11-year playing career in the WNBA with Minnesota, Connecticut, Seattle and Atlanta. Over the last few years, Montgomery has entered the broadcasting field with her own podcasts and game broadcasting duties on NBA TV and the ESPN networks. Montgomery opted out of this past WNBA season to focus her time on social justice efforts in and around Atlanta, where she resides.