What Happened to Renee Danielle Montgomery?

Renee Montgomery's journey from a decorated WNBA player to a pioneering sports executive and activist is marked by a deliberate pivot towards impact beyond the basketball court. After an illustrious 11-year career where she secured two WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx (2015, 2017), was named an All-Star (2011), and earned Sixth Woman of the Year honors (2012), Montgomery made a significant decision in 2020. She opted out of the WNBA season to focus on social justice reform, a move heavily influenced by the racial reckoning following the death of George Floyd.

This decision was a turning point, signaling a shift in her priorities from playing to advocacy. Montgomery's activism included participating in initiatives in Atlanta and launching the Renee Montgomery Foundation in 2019, which promotes equality in women's sports and advocates for social justice. Her commitment to social change ultimately led to her retirement from the WNBA in February 2021, rather than returning to play.

Shortly after her retirement, Montgomery made history in February 2021 by becoming part of a three-member investor group that purchased the Atlanta Dream. This acquisition, which included real estate investor Larry Gottesdiener and Suzanne Abair, saw Montgomery become co-owner and Vice President of the team. This made her the first former WNBA player to hold both an ownership stake and an executive position in a WNBA franchise, a move that was widely celebrated for bringing an athlete's perspective to team leadership. The sale also ended the controversial ownership of former Senator Kelly Loeffler, who had angered WNBA players with her opposition to the league's racial justice initiatives.

Since transitioning to ownership and executive roles, Montgomery has expanded her influence across various sectors. She is a prominent sports analyst for the NBA/WNBA, contributing to networks like CBS Sports, and has hosted several podcasts, including "Montgomery & Co." and "Remotely Renee." She is also a part-owner of the FCF Beasts in the Fan Controlled Football League, making her the first female owner in the FCF, and a General Partner at Valor Ventures. Her entrepreneurial spirit continued into 2026, with an announced investment in The Sports Bra, a Portland-based sports bar dedicated to women's sports, in January 2026, where she also serves as a strategic creative adviser.

As of March 22, 2026, Montgomery remains a highly visible figure in sports and media. She recently garnered attention for her role as a college basketball analyst, making a public case for the Cincinnati Bearcats during a CBS Sports show on March 9, 2026. Furthermore, on March 20, 2026, she filled in for Kenny Smith as a studio analyst for the NCAA Tournament coverage, highlighting her growing presence in major sports broadcasting. Her diverse portfolio underscores her commitment to empowering women in sports, advocating for social justice, and shaping the future of sports business and media.