Renee Montgomery, the former WNBA star who was drafted by the Atlanta Dream as the fourth overall pick in 2009, has transformed from a player to a pivotal owner‑executive of the franchise. After a 12‑year playing career that saw her take part in 364 games across the Connecticut Sun, Seattle Storm, Minnesota Lynx and the Dream, Montgomery hung up her jersey in 2021.
Nine years after buying a home in Georgia, Montgomery joined the Dream’s investment consortium led by real‑estate investor Larry Gottesdiener, alongside Suzanne Abair, president of Gottesdiener’s Northland Investment Corp. At the time of the purchase, the team was sold for an estimated $7 million to $10 million. Today, in 2026, the Dream’s valuation has surged to $280 million.
Montgomery now serves as the team’s vice president and is celebrated as the first former player to become both an owner and an executive in WNBA history. She has described the transition from locker‑room to boardroom as a steep learning curve, noting that the collective expertise of herself, Gottesdiener and Abair has driven the organization toward new heights.
Beyond the boardroom, Montgomery emphasizes the Dream’s integration with Atlanta’s culture. "We wanted to be all things Atlanta so that the city would love us back," she said.
The Dream’s on‑court success continues as well. With the addition of Angel Reese in April, the team now leads the WNBA Finals series 2‑1 against the Golden State Valkyries, having sold out the 17,000‑seat State Farm Arena for Game 3. Montgomery highlighted the importance of giving the city a chance to experience the excitement of the finals.
Montgomery’s journey from a standout three‑point shooter to a key figure in the Dream’s ownership marks a milestone for player‑owned franchises in professional sports.