In an exciting development for women’s sports, The Sports Bra has gained a notable investor: WNBA champion and team owner Renee Montgomery.
Jenny Nguyen, the visionary founder of The Sports Bra, is seen here proudly showcasing Montgomery's jersey. | Photo credit: The Sports Bra.
The Sports Bra, which is a unique sports bar dedicated to promoting women’s sports, has recently welcomed a significant new investor who brings both experience and expertise to the table.
Renee Montgomery, a former WNBA player turned team owner and commentator, has become a key figure in this expanding chain, not just as an investor, but also as a strategic creative advisor.
Montgomery holds the position of co-owner and vice president of the Atlanta Dream. She made history in 2021 as the first former player to take on the role of team owner, and she celebrated two WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx in 2015 and 2017 before concluding her playing career with the Dream.
Renee Montgomery. | Photo credit: The Sports Bra.
Her involvement with The Sports Bra coincides with a period of remarkable growth for the establishment.
Founded in 2022 by Jenny Nguyen in Portland, Oregon, The Sports Bra stands out as a family-friendly sports bar that exclusively showcases women’s sports.
In 2024, the concept secured a substantial investment from the 776 Foundation, a venture capital firm established by Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit co-founder who is married to tennis superstar Serena Williams. This infusion of capital enabled The Sports Bra to embark on a franchising journey last year, leading to new locations being launched in cities like Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and St. Louis.
Montgomery pointed out that the expansion of The Sports Bra comes at a time when women’s sports are experiencing unprecedented momentum. Recent developments include the formation of a professional women’s hockey league, the emergence of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL), League One Volleyball (LOVB), and the Women’s Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL). These initiatives are poised to attract more fans and sponsors to women’s athletics.
"The momentum is here," Montgomery stated. "Brand sponsorships are increasing, and business leaders are investing in all aspects related to women’s sports. The most significant opportunity for The Sports Bra lies in discovering innovative strategies to cater to the needs of the women’s sports community."
In response, Nguyen expressed her enthusiasm about Montgomery's involvement, emphasizing the transformative impact she anticipates it will have on the sports bar.
"With her perspective as a championship player, her strategy as a WNBA owner, and her insights as a commentator for Unrivaled, Renee possesses a comprehensive understanding of this industry that is truly exceptional. Her belief in our mission signals that The Sports Bra is on the right path toward continued growth."
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Lisa Jennings, a seasoned reporter and editor covering the restaurant industry, focuses on fast-casual dining, independent restaurants, and emerging chain concepts.
