It was announced Friday afternoon that owners Kelly Loeffler and Mary Brock sold their shares to the Atlanta Dream. The new ownership group consists of Northland Real Estate Chairman Larry Gottesdiener, Northland Real Estate COO and President Suzanne Abair; and former Atlanta Dream guard Renee Montgomery. The terms of the sale were not made available. However, it was reported that Montgomery would also serve as an executive for the Dream. And would be a part of the team’s day-to-day decisions.
Larry Gottesdiener sees his role as putting resources and financial support into the Dream.@ReneeMontgomery and Suzanne Abair will lead the day to day operations from the owners’ perspective.
— Brendon Kleen (@BrendonKleen14) February 26, 2021
It was encouraged for former owner Kelly Loeffler to sell her stake in the team after receiving black lash from the WNBA and NBA community during her U.S. Senate run; after she opposed the league’s support of the Black Lives Matter Movement and their fight against Social Injustice. Loeffler penned a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert; encouraging players to wear an American Flag on their jerseys instead of the name Breonna Taylor.
Players from the Dream campaigned for Kelly Loeffler’s opponent Raphael Warnock; who has credited the WNBA in turning around the support for his campaign. Loeffler would ultimately lose the Georgia senate race to Warnock along with other Republican candidates; David Perdue’s loss would flip the Senate to a majority Democratic Senate.
During a Press Conference call held today; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert called Montgomery a huge asset to the Atlanta Dream new ownership group. And that today’s sale of the team can usher in a fresh beginning for the Atlanta Dream and its players.
Renee Montgomery played 11 years in the WNBA and two years with the Atlanta Dream before retiring on Feb. 9th. During the press conference Montgomery can be quoted saying:
“ I want to continue to grow, and we’re going to continue to grow the momentum in Atlanta for Atlanta Dream,”
When asked about why she chose to retire and buy into the Atlanta Dream. Montgomery said, “That it was looking at league mate Candace Parker and tennis star Naomi Osaka and their investment into the NWSL”, that made her want to invest in women’s sports. Saying, “that she could have continued to play professional ball, but this moment was too valuable for her to pass up. “
The Dream will be Renee Montgomery’s second sports team that she will be part owner. Renee and NFL legend Marshawn Lynch both own the Beasts in the new FCF Football League.
The new majority owner Larry Gottesdiener was also included during the press call. And expressed great gratitude towards the WNBA and its commissioner, he can be quoted as saying:
“It is a privilege to join a team of inspiring women who strive for excellence on the court and equity off the court,” said Gottesdiener. “I would like to express my gratitude to Commissioner Engelbert, Commissioner (Adam) Silver, and the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors for the opportunity.”
With Loeffler now gone; the Dream can now usher in a new identity of Atlanta Dream basketball. Many others including myself are looking forward to what the future holds for this franchise.
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