Renee Montgomery: Basketball Pioneer Turned Media Mogul

Renee Montgomery’s career in basketball has followed an unconventional path—from a WNBA All-Star point guard to a trailblazing sports media executive. Her journey reflects both the challenges and opportunities women face in professional sports, while also highlighting her role as a vocal advocate for athlete empowerment and social change. Montgomery’s transition from the court to the boardroom underscores a broader shift in how former athletes are redefining their careers after retirement.

From Player to Executive: A Career in Transition

Montgomery spent 11 seasons in the WNBA, playing for teams like the Connecticut Sun, Minnesota Lynx, and Atlanta Dream. Her on-court achievements are notable: a WNBA championship with the Lynx in 2015, two All-Star selections, and a reputation as one of the league’s most intelligent floor generals. Yet, it was her post-retirement ambitions that truly set her apart. In 2021, she became the first former WNBA player to become a part-owner of a WNBA franchise, joining the Atlanta Dream’s ownership group as a partner.

This move was more than symbolic. Montgomery leveraged her platform to push for greater equity in women’s sports, advocating for better pay, visibility, and investment. Her role with the Dream allowed her to influence decisions from the inside, blending her basketball intelligence with a sharp business acumen. By 2023, she expanded her influence further, joining the ownership group of the Atlanta Hawks, making her one of the few former athletes with equity stakes in both a WNBA and NBA franchise.

Building a Media Empire

Montgomery’s media career began during her playing days, as a commentator and analyst for networks like the YES Network and NBC Sports. Her insightful breakdowns of games and her ability to connect with audiences quickly made her a sought-after voice. In 2021, she launched Montgomery & Co., a sports media platform focused on amplifying underrepresented voices in sports. The platform includes a podcast, digital content, and partnerships with major networks.

• Podcast Success: Her podcast, Montgomery & Co., has amassed millions of downloads, featuring interviews with athletes, coaches, and industry leaders. The show’s conversational style and unfiltered discussions about race, gender, and sports culture have resonated with a diverse audience.
• Digital Expansion: Through partnerships with platforms like Twitter (now X) and YouTube, Montgomery has grown her brand beyond traditional media, reaching younger demographics who consume sports content differently.
• Broadcast Roles: She has become a regular analyst for NBA and WNBA games on networks like ESPN and NBA TV, bringing a player’s perspective to the broadcast booth.

Advocacy and Activism: Using Platform for Change

Montgomery has never shied away from using her platform to address social issues. During her playing career, she was vocal about racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality in sports. After retiring, she doubled down on advocacy, partnering with organizations like the Black Women’s Health Imperative and the Women’s Sports Foundation.

In 2020, she co-founded the Black Fives Foundation, which preserves and promotes the history of African American basketball. The foundation’s work highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black athletes to the sport, ensuring their legacies are remembered. Montgomery’s commitment to education and storytelling reflects her belief that sports can be a vehicle for broader societal change.

Challenges and Triumphs in a Male-Dominated Industry

Montgomery’s rise in sports media and ownership has not been without obstacles. As a Black woman in spaces traditionally dominated by white men, she has faced skepticism and barriers to entry. In interviews, she has spoken about the microaggressions and double standards she encountered, from being underestimated as an analyst to facing resistance in ownership discussions.

Yet, her resilience has become a defining trait. She has turned criticism into motivation, using it to fuel her work. Her ownership stakes in professional teams and her media ventures are not just personal successes but milestones for women and minorities in sports. Montgomery’s story illustrates how breaking barriers often requires more than talent—it demands persistence, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to paving the way for others.

Legacy and Future Aspirations

At 36, Montgomery’s career is still ascending. Her influence extends beyond basketball and media into philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and leadership development. She has mentored young athletes and media professionals, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, mental health, and professional networking.

Looking ahead, Montgomery has hinted at expanding her media empire, possibly into television production or a digital network. She has also expressed interest in increasing her involvement in sports governance, potentially taking on a role in league leadership. Her vision aligns with a growing trend of athletes-turned-executives who are reshaping the sports industry from the top down.

Montgomery’s journey is a testament to adaptability and purpose. Whether on the court, in the boardroom, or behind the microphone, she has consistently prioritized impact over accolades. For young women and athletes of color, her career offers a blueprint: leverage your platform, challenge the status quo, and redefine success on your own terms.

As she continues to build her legacy, one thing is clear: Renee Montgomery is not just a former WNBA player or a media personality. She is a disruptor, a leader, and a voice for a new generation of sports professionals.

Lessons from Montgomery’s Career

Montgomery’s career offers several key takeaways for aspiring athletes and professionals:

1. Diversify Your Skills: Montgomery’s ability to transition from player to analyst to executive highlights the importance of developing skills beyond your primary field. Commentary, business acumen, and advocacy all complement each other in today’s sports landscape.
2. Use Your Platform for Advocacy: Her work with organizations like the Black Fives Foundation shows how athletes can leverage their influence to drive social change. Authenticity in advocacy resonates deeply with audiences.
3. Embrace Risk: Moving from a stable playing career to the uncertainties of media and ownership required courage. Montgomery’s willingness to take calculated risks has paid off, proving that innovation often lies outside comfort zones.
4. Build a Community: Montgomery’s media ventures thrive because they foster connection. Whether through her podcast or ownership roles, she has created spaces where underrepresented voices are amplified.

For those following in her footsteps, Montgomery’s career underscores a simple truth: the sports industry is evolving, and the next generation of leaders will be those who can adapt, advocate, and innovate.

To explore more about women in sports leadership, visit our Sports category on Dave’s Locker. For insights into athlete transitions into media, check out our Entertainment section.