After it was reported recently that the WNBA's Atlanta Dream would be sold by former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, the deal was publicly announced today by the league that it has been completed.
The league said the following in a press release:
"The WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors have unanimously approved
the sale of the Atlanta Dream to Larry Gottesdiener, Chairman of
Northland, an industry-leading national real estate firm. The
three-member investor group is comprised of former Dream star Renee
Montgomery, Northland President and Chief Operating Officer Suzanne
Abair, and Gottesdiener.“With the unanimous WNBA and NBA votes,
today marks a new beginning for the Atlanta Dream organization and
we are very pleased to welcome Larry Gottesdiener and Suzanne Abair
to the WNBA,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “I admire
their passion for women’s basketball, but more importantly, have
been impressed with their values. I am also thrilled that
former WNBA star Renee Montgomery will be joining the ownership
group as an investor and executive for the team. Renee is a
trailblazer who has made a major impact both in the game and
beyond.”
“It is a privilege to join a team of inspiring women who strive for
excellence on the court and equity off the court,” said Larry
Gottesdiener. “I would like to express my gratitude to Commissioner
Engelbert, Commissioner Silver, and the WNBA and NBA Boards of
Governors for the opportunity.”
Two-time WNBA champion Renee Montgomery will be the first former
player to become both an owner and executive of a WNBA team.
Montgomery sat out the 2020 season to focus on social justice
issues and recently announced her retirement from the league after
11 seasons.
“My Dream has come true,” said Renee Montgomery. “Breaking barriers
for minorities and women by being the first former WNBA player to
have both a stake in ownership and a leadership role with the team
is an opportunity that I take very seriously. I invite you to join
me as the Dream builds momentum in Atlanta!”
Founded in 2007, the Dream has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs
eight times and has reached the WNBA Finals three times. The team’s
former owners, Dream Too LLC, the Atlanta Dream ownership group,
purchased the team in 2011.Mary Brock and Kelly Loeffler commented
on the transaction saying, "Ten years ago we stepped up to keep the
Dream in Atlanta, as an important asset for a vibrant and diverse
city. It was also important to us to help level the playing field
for women's professional sports. We are proud of what we
accomplished and wish the team well in their next chapter. We will
always value the hard work and dedication, and the memories, fans
and friendships that sustained our commitment to the Atlanta Dream
over the last decade.”The Dream will play the 2021 season at the
Gateway Center Arena at College Park, a multi-purpose sports and
entertainment venue. The 2021 WNBA regular season schedule will be
announced at a later date.
About Larry Gottesdiener
Larry Gottesdiener, Founder and Chairman of Northland Investment
Corporation, a $10 billion real estate private equity firm, charts
Northland’s long-term strategy, oversees innovative mixed-used
developments, and guides philanthropy, engagement, and activism.
Northland has been recognized by the industry in lists that include
Best Places to Work in Multifamily and Best Places to Work in
Multifamily for Women. Northland’s philanthropy is focused on
empowering women, combating racism, and ending homelessness."
Loeffler came under scrutiny this past year as she opposed the Black Lives Matter movement that the league, and her players openly embraced. Loeffler was a Republican representing the State of Georgia in the U.S. Senate, but was recently defeated in a runoff election by Rev. Raphael Warnock, the candidate whom many WNBA players openly campainged for.