Rachel DeMita has criticised the decision to have Atlanta Dream co-owner Renee Montgomery involved in USA Network’s post-game coverage during the 2026 WNBA Finals, questioning the optics of the arrangement.
Montgomery served as a studio analyst while her own franchise competed against the Golden State Valkyries for the championship, raising questions among fans about potential bias.
The series ended with Golden State claiming its first WNBA title after beating Atlanta 68-63 in Game 7, completing an impressive championship run in just the franchise’s second season.
Rachel DeMita questions Renee Montgomery’s dual role during WNBA FinalsReacting to Montgomery’s involvement in the coverage, DeMita wrote on social media: “having one of the Dream’s owners host the post game show is actually diabolical 😰”
The comment reflects concerns over the decision to place someone with a direct stake in one of the competing teams in a prominent broadcasting role during the Finals.
Montgomery, a former WNBA player who spent 11 years in the league, has defended her ability to separate her ownership responsibilities from her work as an analyst.
Speaking to Front Office Sports, she explained that her experience as a player helped her assess performances fairly, regardless of which team was involved.
“I love the sport so much that you have to cover it a certain way,” Montgomery said. “Like I understand the effort, I understand the grind, I understand all the sacrifice that went into a player having a good game. So whether or not that player is playing for the Atlanta Dream doesn’t matter. I have to analyze the game for what I see.”
She also said she had not been given specific restrictions by USA Network or her other employers.
The debate comes as the WNBA continues to attract attention around its broadcasting and growing audience. Montgomery’s situation has also drawn comparisons with other high-profile cases involving sports analysts who hold ownership stakes in teams.
However, the Finals ultimately belonged to Golden State. Gabby Williams scored 30 points in the decisive game, including a dominant second-half performance, as the Valkyries secured a 68-63 victory.
Atlanta had another chance to claim a championship but fell short in a tense finish. The Valkyries, meanwhile, became champions in only their second season, giving their supporters a historic result to celebrate.
Read more:
- Golden State Valkyries set ‘Super Bowl era’ record with historic WNBA championship win
- ‘Ballhalla was…’ – Barack Obama’s message to Golden State Valkyries after WNBA title win
- Dave Portnoy ruthlessly mocks Angel Reese with video after WNBA Finals loss