Part-owner of the Atlanta Dream and former WNBA player Renee Montgomery has invested in The Sports Bra as it plans franchise locations in four cities this year.
PORTLAND, Oregon — This story comes from the Portland Business Journal, a KGW News partner. The full story is here.
Former WNBA player and part-owner of the Atlanta Dream Renee Montgomery is now an investor in The Sports Bra, the Portland-based sports bar dedicated to women’s sports and their fans.
The move comes as The Sports Bra founder and CEO Jenny Nguyen embarks on a franchising strategy for the business. New Sports Bra franchise locations are expected to open in Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas and St. Louis later this year.
Terms of Montgomery’s investment were not disclosed.
As part of her investment, Montgomery is also being named strategic creative adviser for the business. Montgomery is a two-time WNBA champion and commentator in addition to her ownership stake in the Atlanta Dream.
“As athletes, we understand the power of teamwork. Athletes also understand that sometimes you have to believe in yourself before others believe in you, and that’s exactly what Jenny did when she opened a bar specifically focused on women’s sports,” Montgomery said in a written statement. “Jenny had the vision for The Sports Bra, and that vision is now materializing with franchises opening soon. I’m excited to be an early investor with this game-changing brand.”
Other investors in the business include the 776 Fund, started by Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and the husband of tennis great Serena Williams.
Montgomery’s experience aligns with the company and its values, Nguyen said in a written statement.
“Between her perspective as a champion player, her strategy as a WNBA owner, and her voice as a commentator for Unrivaled, Renee has a 360-degree view of this industry that is virtually unmatched,” Nguyen said. “Her belief in our mission is a powerful signal that what we’re building at The Sports Bra is on track to continue growing, as we expand into Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, St. Louis and beyond.”
