What Happened to Renée Montgomery?
Renée Montgomery is a former two-time WNBA champion who transitioned from a successful playing career to a groundbreaking role as an activist, team owner, and sports broadcaster. After opting out of the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice, she retired in 2021 and became the first former WNBA player to hold an ownership stake and executive position in a WNBA team, the Atlanta Dream, while also expanding her presence in sports media and other ventures.
Quick Answer
Renée Montgomery, a two-time WNBA champion, retired from professional basketball in 2021 to dedicate herself to social justice initiatives and pursue ownership opportunities. She made history by becoming the first former WNBA player to hold an ownership stake and serve as Vice President of the Atlanta Dream, her former team. As of March 2026, Montgomery continues her work as a sports analyst for CBS and TNT Sports, recently filling in for Kenny Smith on NCAA Tournament coverage, and is an investor in ventures like The Sports Bra.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in St. Albans, West Virginia
Renée Danielle Montgomery was born in St. Albans, West Virginia.
Wins NCAA National Championship with UConn
Montgomery led the UConn Huskies to an undefeated season and an NCAA National Championship.
Drafted 4th Overall by Minnesota Lynx
She was selected as the fourth overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx, beginning her professional career.
Named WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year
Montgomery earned the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award for her impactful play off the bench.
Wins First WNBA Championship
She secured her first WNBA championship with the Minnesota Lynx.
Wins Second WNBA Championship
Montgomery won her second WNBA championship, also with the Minnesota Lynx.
Launches The Renee Montgomery Foundation
While playing for the Atlanta Dream, Montgomery established her foundation focused on promoting positivity, teamwork, and youth development.
Opts Out of WNBA Season for Social Justice
Montgomery announced she would forgo the 2020 WNBA season to dedicate her efforts to social justice reform and the Black Lives Matter movement.
Retires from WNBA and Becomes Co-owner of Atlanta Dream
Montgomery announced her retirement from professional basketball and, shortly after, became a co-owner and Vice President of the Atlanta Dream, making her the first former WNBA player to hold such a position.
Becomes First Female Owner in Fan Controlled Football League
Montgomery expanded her ownership portfolio by becoming one of three owners of the FCF Beasts, an indoor football team, marking her as the first female owner in the league.
Invests in The Sports Bra
Montgomery became an early investor and strategic creative adviser for The Sports Bra, a Portland-based sports bar dedicated to women's sports, as it announced franchising plans.
Appears as Analyst on CBS Sports' College Basketball Show
Montgomery made a public case for the Cincinnati Bearcats' inclusion in the NCAA Tournament during an appearance on CBS Sports.
Fills in for Kenny Smith on NCAA Tournament Coverage
Montgomery served as a studio analyst for CBS's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament coverage, filling in for Kenny Smith who was absent due to illness.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Renée Montgomery's journey is marked by a significant pivot from a decorated professional basketball career to impactful activism and pioneering sports ownership. After a stellar collegiate career at UConn, where she won a national championship in 2009, Montgomery was drafted fourth overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft. Over 11 seasons, she earned two WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx (2015, 2017), was named an All-Star (2011), and received the Sixth Woman of the Year award (2012).
The pivotal moment in Montgomery's career came in June 2020 when she announced her decision to opt out of the WNBA season to focus on social justice reform, particularly in response to police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement. This decision, rooted in her family's history of activism, was a conscious choice to leverage her platform for greater societal change. She launched initiatives like the 'Remember the 3rd' program to promote voter education and partnered with LeBron James' 'More Than a Vote' campaign.
In February 2021, Montgomery officially retired from the WNBA. Shortly after, she made history by becoming part of a three-member investor group that purchased the Atlanta Dream, the team she had last played for. This move made her the first former WNBA player to hold both an ownership stake and an executive role (Vice President) in a WNBA franchise. Her involvement was seen as a direct consequence of her activism, as the previous owner, Kelly Loeffler, had faced criticism from players over her stance on racial justice initiatives.
Since her retirement and acquisition of the Dream, Montgomery has expanded her influence across various sectors. She is also a part-owner of the FCF Beasts indoor football team and a General Partner of Valor VC, demonstrating her commitment to business and investment. Her philanthropic efforts continue through the Renee Montgomery Foundation, which focuses on positivity, education, and technology in youth development. In January 2026, she further diversified her portfolio by investing in The Sports Bra, a Portland-based sports bar dedicated to women's sports, and was named a strategic creative adviser for the brand.
As of March 21, 2026, Montgomery remains a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, serving as a studio analyst for CBS's WNBA coverage and appearing on NBA TV. Most recently, on March 20, 2026, she filled in for Kenny Smith on CBS's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament studio coverage, showcasing her growing presence in major sports media. Her multifaceted career exemplifies a dedication to both sports and social impact, continually breaking barriers for women and minorities in professional sports and beyond.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Renée Montgomery made different choices?