The Sports Bra announces WNBA player investment and Playmakers program to Honor Young Athletes
WNBA Champion, Executive, and Team Owner
Renee Montgomery Joins The Sports Bra as Early Investor
PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 8, 2026) — The Sports Bra, the world’s first sports bar fully dedicated to women’s sports, is proud to announce that WNBA legend, team owner, and executive Renee Montgomery has joined the company as an early investor. This partnership marks a significant milestone for The Sports Bra as it scales its mission to support, empower, and promote women in sports through its national franchise expansion, further establishing the brand as the global hospitality leader in women’s sports.
Montgomery, a two-time WNBA champion, current vice president and part-owner of the Atlanta Dream, and Unrivaled commentator, brings three decades of experience at every level of the game. Her transition from elite athlete to successful sports executive and entrepreneur makes her uniquely qualified to support the brand as it continues to evolve.
“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,” said Montgomery.
“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.”
Montgomery will also serve as the strategic creative advisor. Her deep understanding of the industry will bring a unique perspective that resonates with the global women’s sports community.
“Sports are a part of who I am, starting as an athlete and growing into a WNBA team owner and vice president of the Atlanta Dream,” Montgomery added. “I’ve experienced the evolution of women’s sports first-hand, and can’t wait to add to the momentum that Jenny and The Sports Bra have already created.”
The investment comes at a pivotal time for women’s sports, with the emergence of new professional leagues, including Unrivaled, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL), League One Volleyball (LOVB), Women’s Professional Lacrosse League (WPLL), and more. Montgomery sees the next 12 to 18 months as a critical window to meet the exploding demand from fans and sponsors.
“The momentum is here. Brand sponsorships are up, and business leaders are investing in everything that touches women’s sports,” said Montgomery. “The most significant opportunity for The Sports Bra is to find innovative ways to meet the demands from the women’s sports community.”
Jenny Nguyen, founder and CEO of The Sports Bra, welcomed Montgomery to the team, noting that her expertise aligns perfectly with the company’s values of empowerment, diversity, and building a championship culture.
“Welcoming Renee to the team is a game-changing upgrade to our roster,” said Nguyen. “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. 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.”
Montgomery said, “Women’s sports is big business, and supporting through investment will yield returns. If you’ve been paying attention, it’s easy to see how backing The Sports Bra is a winning move. If we continue to pour into each other, we can be both early investors and megaphones for startups that need an assist.”
The Sports Bra Launches Playmakers to Honor Young Athletes for National Girls and Women in Sports Day
The world’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports opens nominations
for youth, high school, and collegiate leaders across five regions
PORTLAND, Ore. (Jan. 7, 2026) — In celebration of the upcoming National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), The Sports Bra, the world’s first sports bar dedicated to exclusively showing women’s sports, is launching Playmakers. The initiative honors youth, high school, and collegiate athletes for the leadership, teamwork, and heart they bring to their sports and communities. Playmakers is a direct extension of The Sports Bra’s mission: to create an environment that supports, empowers, and promotes girls and women in sports and throughout the community.
Beginning today, youth league directors, athletic directors, coaches, and community and family members in Portland, as well as expansion cities Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and St. Louis, are invited to nominate young women who embody the spirit of a Playmaker, someone who makes a positive impact both on and off the field, court, mat, pitch, track, pool, or wherever they play.
“A Playmaker is someone who changes the game just by being who they are, both on and off the playing field,” said Jenny Nguyen, founder and CEO of The Sports Bra. “With this initiative, we’re honoring the courage and teamwork of the next generation. These athletes are the future of the movement, and we couldn’t be prouder to shine a light on them.”
Deborah Pleva, vice president of engagement at The Sports Bra, added, "If you’ve ever watched a coach draw up a play for a team, you know that X’s and O’s are all about preparation and belief. This February, the month of love, as we celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day, those X’s and O’s mean even more: they stand for our love of the game and the girls who pour their hearts into it. With Playmakers, we are turning that love into action by shining a spotlight on the girls and women who are the future of sports.”
HOW TO NOMINATE A PLAYMAKER
Nominations are open to youth, middle school, high school, and collegiate athletes in the communities of The Sports Bra’s current and future locations. Nominations are open through Saturday, Jan. 31, with the selected Playmakers being announced on National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. Submissions can be made at the forms within our Playmakers Blog.
LOCAL SPOTLIGHT | PARTNERING FOR EMPOWERMENT
In Portland, The Bra is partnering with Girls on the Run Greater Oregon to highlight their shared mission to inspire girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate their limitless potential. From Feb. 4-15, any athlete who visits The Bra will receive a small token of appreciation for their contribution and love of sports.
Through this initiative, both organizations aim to spark a local conversation about the importance of keeping girls active and ensuring they have the visibility they deserve.
NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY
National Girls & Women in Sports Day began in 1987 to recognize women’s sports and honor Olympic volleyball player Flo Hyman for her dedication to promoting equality in athletics. Since its beginnings, the day has become a vibrant annual movement co-founded and powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation. It honors the achievements of women athletes and leaders and acknowledges the significant impact and positive influence of sports participation.
Participation in sports can develop the confidence and character that help girls become strong leaders in all aspects of life. Today, The Sports Bra is excited to join the nationwide celebration of NGWSD, which inspires girls and women and continues the ongoing struggle for gender equity in sports.
“Ultimately, Playmakers is our way of ensuring the next generation knows their impact is seen and valued,” added Nguyen. “It’s our love letter to the future of women’s sports. XOXO from The Bra!”
For more information about the Playmakers campaign or to submit a nomination, visit our Playmakers blog post.
About The Sports Bra
Founded in April 2022 in Portland, Oregon, The Sports Bra is the first sports bar that exclusively televises women’s sports. In 2025, The Sports Bra announced its expansion into four additional cities, with franchise locations opening in Boston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and St. Louis. The family-friendly bar and restaurant offers great food, delicious drinks, and an inclusive space that supports, empowers, and promotes women’s athletes and girls and women in the community. Visit TheSportsBraOfficial.com to find out what’s playing and what’s on the menu.