Mike Trout MLB Debut Jersey Hits Auction Block Expected To Rake In $1 Mil +
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Mike Trout is the best player of his generation -- and 1 of the greatest baseball players of all-time -- and now you can own the future HOF'ers 1st game-worn MLB jersey!!
Long before the 3x AL MVP was a bonafide baseball great, he made his debut as a teenager playing center field for the Angels in 2011.
The date was July 8, 2011 ... and Trout's Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim took on the Seattle Mariners in SoCal.
Trout started in center field, batted 9th in the order and was 0-for-3 at the plate (the Angels won 4-3).
Those game-worn threads ... they just hit the block at the online auction house, Lelands -- and are available for bidding through April 2.
The sports memorabilia and card collecting biz has exploded. A 2009 Bowman Chrome Draft Prospects Mike Trout Superfractor card sold for $3.93 MILLION last year.
Lelands says don't be surprised if this 1-of-a-kind uni also cracks 7 figures (aka a milli plus) when it ultimately sells to the highest bidder.
And, speaking of baseball cards ... if the jersey wasn't cool enough on its own, it's also the uniform MT was rockin' on his '11 Topps Update rookie card.
Since starting his career with the 0-fer, Trout's blasted 302 HR's with 1,380 hits and 798 RBI's, and has won 3 American League Most Valuable Player awards ... and he's still only 29-years-old.
Happy bidding!!
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Babe Ruth Card Buyer Worth Every Penny of $760k Price 'It's Part of American History'
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The man who bid $760,000 on a rare signed Babe Ruth baseball card is revealing his identity ... and he's the most famous video game collector on the planet!
Meet Eric Naierman -- who famously dropped $1 MILLION on rare video games back in 2019, snatching up some of the rarest and most sought-after cartridges in gaming.
Naierman -- who's a dentist by trade -- has always enjoyed baseball cards ... and when he saw the 1933 Babe Ruth Goudey #149 card hit the auction block, he rounded up an investment group to make a play for it.
The card -- from the famous "Uncle Jimmy" collection -- has been widely regarded in the industry as one of the most well-preserved Babe Ruth cards from the 1933 Goudey set.
In the end, Naierman's group paid more than DOUBLE the price of a similar version of the same card which sold at auction in 2020 for $325k. But, they believe it's worth every cent and more.
"This is just a part of American history," Naierman tells TMZ Sports ... "It's a part of world history and it's one of the finest examples of the greatest face in baseball as we know it."
"So, we probably just gonna enjoy for a while and make a business plan years down the line for it. It surreal!"
Naierman says his partners live all over the country -- but the card will be kept in South Florida and there are plans in the works for a giant group trip so they can all enjoy it together.
"We'll have a group picture and I'll get to see it and I'll get to touch it and I'll get to feel it and enjoy it a little bit."
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Viral Skateboarder 'Doggface' Rental Car Break-In in San Francisco ... Goes to L.A. in Fear
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Nathan Apodaca -- AKA, Doggface, the skateboarder who went viral to "Dreams" -- is having a nightmare West Coast trip after crooks targeted his family.
Sources close to the internet sensation tell TMZ ... Nate and his fam have been in the Bay Area recently on a getaway to celebrate his daughter's 14th birthday ... and all seemed to be going well until Tuesday, when he says their rental vehicles were broken into and ransacked.
We got Nathan out on Hollywood Blvd. talking about the ordeal ... and although he doesn't want to let it ruin the trip, he's clearly rattled by what he calls a scary trend in San Fran right now.
We're told they had pulled up to the Twin Peaks Overlook, and ended up parking and locking their rented Suburban and Pathfinder in a garage down below.
When they came back down, our sources say Nathan and co. found windows to both vehicles smashed ... and a number of items missing inside. He filed a police report, but says cops told him there wasn’t much they could do since there were no cameras in the garage.
According to the report, obtained by TMZ, Nathan says they made off with credit cards and checks, sunglasses, reading glasses and some wallets filled with identifying information ... like Social Security cards and driver's licenses.
All in all ... we're told the estimated loss and damage comes out to about $4,000. The worst part is that Nathan and his family were spooked, and quickly got the hell outta Dodge.
Our sources say Nathan returned the damaged vehicles Wednesday and picked up new ones, with plans to then book it down to Los Angeles -- which was NOT a stop in their OG itinerary. They're also changing their return flights to fly out of L.A. instead of SF.
Waiting for your permission to load TikTok Post.
It's a total bummer for such a nice guy, who's been riding high on good vibes since he blew up from his TikTok video last year -- which has brought so much good fortune and beyond.
Just to leave ya on a good note, here's that old vid that had the world chillin' ... and, best of luck in L.A., Dogg.
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NFL's D.J. Chark Honors Future Daughter With Adorable Chain ... Baby Chark!!!
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Jacksonville Jaguars receiver D.J. Chark is celebrating his #GirlDad status 3 months early ... by copping a one-of-a-kind diamond chain with his future daughter's name on it!!
The 24-year-old Pro Bowler and his wife, Chantelle, are expecting their first child, Mackenzie, in May ... and we're told Chark is so excited, he wanted to have a special piece ready in time for the big arrival!!
Ari The Jeweler in Manhattan tells TMZ Sports he came up with a custom pendant and diamond chain for the daddy-to-be ... and it's pretty damn adorable.
The iced-out piece features baby feet with hearts, a bow on top and Mackenzie's name engraved in the gold ring of the pendant.
There's also a touching message on the back of the piece ... which reads, "Mommy and Daddy Love You!" -- how sweet!!!
We're told the pendant features 15 carats of VS diamonds and 80 grams of gold ... and the accompanying Cuban chain has 150 grams of gold and 20 carats of diamonds -- altogether estimated to be worth $50,000.
No word on what DJ paid, but the dude's made $3.3 million so far in his young career ... so he can splurge a bit.
Congrats on Baby Chark, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo! (Sorry, we had to.)
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Lada Gaga Dogs Found Tied to Pole in Alley ... Finder to Get $500,000 Reward
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Lady Gaga's 2 French Bulldogs that were stolen this week were tied to a pole in an alley, miles from where they were dognapped, and the finder is in for a big reward ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... they believe the woman who found the dogs is a Good Samaritan who happened upon the dogs and recognized them from all the media attention. We're told the woman saw the email address we posted from Gaga and said she found the dogs, and she was advised to take them to a nearby police station. The dogs are fine.
As we reported, police believe the woman has no involvement in the dognapping so she deposited the dogs at the PD and left.
As for the reward, sources directly connected to Gaga tell TMZ she will "gladly" pay the $500,000 reward to the finder and we're told tears of joy are still flowing in Rome.
As for the dognappers and, in particular, the person who shot her dog walker ... they are still at large, although we're told cops are combing the area for surveillance video.
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Lady Gaga Stolen Bulldogs Back Home Safe ... Shooting Suspects Still at Large
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Lady Gaga's beloved French bulldogs, Koji and Gustav have been returned ... after her dog walker was shot in the chest trying to save the dogs in Hollywood.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ a woman turned the dogs in Friday night to an LAPD station. We're told the dogs were unharmed and have been reunited with Gaga's team.
Our sources say the woman appears to be a good samaritan and claims she found the dogs and brought them in. The LAPD is continuing to investigate, and the shooters are still on the loose.
Sources close to Gaga tell us she cried "tears of joy" when she got the news.
It's currently unclear if and when the woman will be rewarded the $500,000 offered by Gaga for the return of the dogs.
TMZ broke the story ... 2 of Gaga's pups were abducted Wednesday night, when thieves confronted her dog walker on the street and shot him. Lady Gaga, who was in Rome working on a new movie at the time, offered $500,000 for the dogs' return, no questions asked.
Surveillance video from a neighboring home showed the brazen attack ... and you hear one of the thieves cock a gun and tell Gaga's dog walker, Ryan Fischer, to "give it up" before a struggle ensues and the gun goes off.
Fischer, who was shot in the chest, was walking 3 of Gaga's French bulldogs when he was attacked ... and one pooch, Asia, was able to run away from the thieves before coming back to the injured dog walker.
Our sources told us Lady Gaga was extremely upset by the scary incident ... but now all 3 dogs are safe and sound.
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French Bulldogs Thefts On The Rise ... Get 'Em Microchipped!!!
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Lady Gaga's stolen pups are part of an alarming trend ... French bulldog thefts are on the rise, but breeders say there are a few things folks can do to keep the dogs safe.
Honchos at Francoeur French Bulldogs, a breeder in California, tell TMZ ... stealing Frenchies has recently become a thing -- it's happening in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix -- and they're advising French bulldog owners not to walk their dogs at night.
TMZ broke the story ... dognappers abducted 2 of Lady Gaga's Frenchies at gunpoint this week in Hollywood, stealing them from her dog walker as he was taking them down the street around 10 PM.
Folks at French Bulldog Puppies Los Angeles say they're telling their celebrity clients to be extra careful with the dogs, because thieves know Frenchies are in demand and expensive. We're told puppies can be worth up to $20,000 and older dogs could still fetch $2,500.
Lucky for Gaga, her dogs were returned unharmed Friday night when a woman dropped them off at a LAPD station. Remember ... Gaga offered a $500,000 reward for her dogs' return, no questions asked.
French Bulldog Puppies has a message ... the most important precaution folks can take is microchipping their Frenchies so they can be identified if they're taken to a vet.
Frenchies are small, in-demand and worth a lot of money, which puts a target on their back ... and the owner of French Bulldogs LA says the problem's compounded by the fact the dogs are so friendly they would hop into a stranger's car with no problem.
Stay safe out there, Frenchie folks.
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Lennox Lewis Open To Mike Tyson Rematch 'If the People Want It'
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FEBRUARY 2021
Lennox Lewis says he'd seriously consider getting back in the ring with Mike Tyson for a long-awaited rematch ... but only if there was a serious demand.
"If the public wanted it then we would probably talk," the former heavyweight champ tells TMZ Sports.
Lewis famously KO'd Tyson in the 8th round when they clashed in June 2002 -- despite Tyson making some wild threats in the build-up to the fight (remember, Tyson said he wanted to "eat" Lennox's children!?).
But, after Tyson's incredible performance against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, there's definitely an appetite to see "Iron" Mike get back in the ring.
NOVEMBER 2020
Question is ... who will be Mike's next opponent?! 55-year-old Lennox?
Lennox hasn't fought professionally since a 2003 victory over Vitali Klitschko -- but he admitted he'd consider squaring up with Tyson ... but only if the situation was perfect.
"I don't know. I don't really have nothing pushing me in the ring right now. People would love to see that fight but I don't know."
Our photog asked if a poll on TMZ Sports would help sway the boxer ... who admitted he's curious how that would go.
So, VOTE if you want to see the rematch!
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Grace VanderWaal 'Stargirl' Making Bank ... $325k For Movies!!!
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Grace VanderWaal isn't seeing stars, she's seeing dollar signs ... because we've learned she's getting paid a nice chunk of change for her lead role in "Stargirl."
The 17-year-old singer is off to a pretty strong start financially in her acting career after securing top billing in the Disney+ movie, "Stargirl." According to her minor's contract, obtained by TMZ, Grace took home a base salary of $125,000 for the first film, and it looks like she's got a bigger payday on the horizon for the upcoming sequel.
Grace is in line to double her earnings for the second 'Stargirl' movie ... the contract says she'll get paid a cool $250,000 to reprise her role as Stargirl Caraway, and Disney says the sequel is already in development.
We'll do the math for ya ... Grace will earn at least $375,000 just in base pay for both films. And, if there's a third film, she'll rake in $500,000. Yes, it pays well to be a Disney star.
Fat paydays are nothing new for Grace who, at the tender age of 12, banked $1 million for winning "America's Got Talent."
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Floyd Mayweather Celebrity Bidding War To Buy $2.6 Million Maybach
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What Floyd Mayweather wants, he usually gets ... but in the case of an ultra-rare Maybach -- he's gonna have to outbid another wealthy celebrity!!
Sources close to Floyd tell us he's in the hunt to purchase a 2009 Maybach 62S Landaulet -- which features a V12 Twin Turbo Engine with 620 horsepower.
The owner of the car is famed high-end car dealer Obi Okeke -- aka Dr. Bugatti -- who tells TMZ Sports his ride is one of only 8 ever produced in the world.
Of those 8 in existence, only 3 are in the United States. We're told the other 2 cars in the U.S. belong to Drake and DJ Khaled.
When the car was released, the sticker price was $1.35 million -- and a Maybach spokesperson says the target buyer is "a superrich individual who wants something that is extremely extraordinary and enjoys being driven in a car with acres of sky above them."
... which is likely why Floyd wants one so badly!
Okeke is asking for $2.6 million ... or best offer.
The issue, we're told, is there's a bidding war going down behind-the-scenes between Floyd and another major celebrity -- a high-profile rap star.
We're told the bidding is already over $2 million ... and it's still active.
Floyd has made close to a billion dollars in fight money and he LOVES cars ... so you'd think he'd just pony up whatever it takes to close the deal.
But, we're told Floyd is waiting to see where the rapper draws the line ... so he can come in slightly above and not pay a cent more than he needs to.
Long story short ... seems like Floyd is ultimately going to get the car and the rapper is going to have to see if Drake or DJ Khaled are willing to make a deal.
Rich people problems!
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Bryan Cranston Don't Waste Your Energy ... Buy My Eco-Friendly Beach House!!!
"Breaking Bad" star Bryan Cranston's moving on to new turf, and leaving behind a beachfront property he turned into a home with a net-zero carbon footprint.
The Emmy-winning, Oscar-nominated actor has listed his super hip, eco-friendly pad in Ventura, CA -- called "Three Palms" -- for just a touch under $5 million ... after paying about half that for it back in 2007.
BC says he put his "heart, soul and blood, sweat and often tears" into renovating the place and turning it into the modernized, unique, sustainable and energy-efficient home it is today.
Completed in 2013, the house now features a 2-story floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2,450 sq. ft of living space. Along with an ocean view, it comes with the option of buying Bryan's custom furniture and personal art collection too.
Cranston says of his decision to sell ... "There’s something lovely about creating something with tremendous pride and effort and turning it over, letting someone else take it to the next level of appreciation."
The listing agent calls it "one of the most remarkable green homes ever built in California."
That's almost as impressive as Walter White cooking 99.1-percent pure meth.
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Lady Gaga 'My Heart is Sick' Over Stolen Dogs ... Calls Walker a Hero
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1:59 PM PT -- Gaga has spoken out for the first time since her dogs were stolen, saying, "My beloved dogs Koji and Gustav were taken in Hollywood two nights ago. My heart is sick and I am praying my family will be whole again with an act of kindness. I will pay $500,000 for their safe return." Gaga also included KojiandGustav@gmail.com for anyone to write to with info.
My beloved dogs Koji and Gustav were taken in Hollywood two nights ago. My heart is sick and I am praying my family will be whole again with an act of kindness. I will pay $500,000 for their safe return. Email KojiandGustav@gmail.com to contact us. pic.twitter.com/3NY9u7Mw2K
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) February 26, 2021 @ladygaga
Gaga also thanked Ryan, saying, "If you bought or found them unknowingly, the reward is the same. I continue to love you Ryan Fischer, you risked your life to fight for our family. You’re forever a hero."
Lady Gaga's dog walker -- who put his life on the line for her beloved animals -- is expected to make a full recovery ... and his family is thanking Gaga for her support.
The family of Ryan Fischer tells us, "Ryan is receiving extraordinary care in the hospital right now and his doctors expect him to make a full recovery. We cannot possibly say enough to thank all of the first responders, nurses and doctors who have worked so tirelessly to care for Ryan."
They also give a massive thank you to Gaga, saying, "Of course, we also want to thank Lady Gaga who has shown nothing but non-stop love and concern for Ryan and our family right from the outset. Ryan loves Gustavo and Koji as much as Lady Gaga does; so we join in her plea for their safe return."
TMZ broke the story, Fischer was shot while walking Gaga's 3 French bulldog's Wednesday night in Hollywood ... the thieves made off with 2 of the dogs, leaving Ryan begging for help on the sidewalk.
Cops have not yet named any suspects, but our sources say there's reason to believe the attack was a targeted hit on Gaga's dogs for ransom.
Gaga has offered $500,000 for the return of Koji and Gustav, "no questions asked."
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Travis Scott Helps Feed 50k People in Houston ... Amid Nasty Winter
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Travis Scott's helping 50,000 folks in Houston weather the winter storm they've been dealing with ... by providing them all a hot meal.
The rapper and his Cactus Jack Foundation have teamed up with Mayor Sylvester Turner to launch an emergency food program Friday that will feed 50k residents who've been impacted by Texas' historic freeze.
Travis' foundation's working with local agencies and restaurant owners to get the hot meals to those still recovering from the frigid temperatures and days without water or power ... with the most vulnerable Houstonians at the front of the line.
The deliveries have been ongoing all over the city on Friday, and include truckloads of bottled water.
As you may know ... Travis is a Houston native and is regularly looking out for his hometown, including the huge toy drive he held for the holidays. His Cactus Jack Foundation also recently launched a scholarship program to help teens in furthering their education.
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Howard U. Prez Dr. Frederick Doing Work to Raise $$$ ... And Seeking HU's First Female Prez!!!
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Howard University's President says the money that's been pouring into the school is a testament to its dedication to diversity, and yes ... its connection to famous alums like VP Kamala Harris.
Dr. Wayne Frederick joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday on the heels of receiving a massive $20 million donation from the Marriott Foundation for a hospitality leadership center ... something he tells us has been in the works for a while.
The center will be named the Marriott-Sorenson Center in honor of Marriott's late CEO Arne Sorenson, who Dr. Frederick says was devoted to diversity and shared the same values as Howard U.
Speaking of diversity, Dr. Frederick dropped a huge hint that Howard will be making a huge progressive step when it hires its next president ... at least, it will if he gets his wish.
Seems he's seeking a female candidate to make history -- much like VP Harris, but just at HU. As Dr. Frederick put it ... the time is now, especially considering the makeup of Howard's student body.
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Lady Gaga Dognappers May Have Targeted Singer for Ransom
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Lady Gaga may have been the target of criminals who shot her dog walker and stole 2 of her French Bulldogs ... law enforcement tells TMZ.
We're told the LAPD is seriously looking at the possibility the shooter/thieves knew the dogs were owned by Gaga, and the video obtained by TMZ more than supports that theory.
If you look closely, the car that comes upon dog walker Ryan Fischer clearly was headed for him. The car stops and two people immediately jump out and attack the dog walker. There's no way they would have instantly known these dogs were a valuable breed ... they're small and it was dark outside. The dogs could have easily been rescues, mixed breeds, a less valuable breed ... fact is, these criminals knew.
What's more ... our law enforcement sources tell us, Ryan Fischer told numerous people in the neighborhood he was walking Gaga's dogs, so lots of people knew.
From what we know, this was supposed to be a short walk -- 10 PM at night, so the dogs could go poop and pee. It's not like the robbers were able to follow Ryan a long distance ... if they were indeed targeting Gaga's dogs, they could have scoped him out in the days before to determine his walking schedule.
As for the $500,000 ransom Gaga is offering ... sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ no one has been in touch with the singer or her reps so far demanding payment.
What makes matters even more difficult ... we're told the dogs were not chipped.
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Renee Montgomery & Group Buy WNBA's Atlanta Dream ... from Sen. Kelly Loeffler
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9:58 AM PT -- LeBron James is showing some serious love to his "More Than A Vote" initiative partner ... congratulating Montgomery on Twitter.
"So proud of this Queen," James said Friday." This is everything we are about!"
Remember, the Lakers superstar previously expressed interest in putting together a group to buy the Dream ... but it's safe to say he's thrilled with the new ownership.
Renee Montgomery has gone from the WNBA court to the owner's box -- she's part of an ownership group that just bought the Atlanta Dream from Sen. Kelly Loeffler.
The exact financial terms of the deal are unclear -- but we're told the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors both unanimously approved the sale.
The move makes Montgomery -- who recently retired after 11 seasons -- the first former WNBA player to have an ownership stake in a WNBA team.
Montgomery's 3-person ownership group is comprised of 2 big wigs from the Northland real estate firm -- chairman Larry Gottesdiener and President and COO Suzanne Abair.
"My dream has come true," Montgomery said in a statement to TMZ Sports.
"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 ownership team is an opportunity that I take very seriously. I invite you to join me as the Dream builds momentum in Atlanta!"
Blessings 🙏🏾 Moments really do equal Momentum. I’m so excited so can y’all start showing yalls support by hitting that follow button ➡️ @AtlantaDream #DreamPursuer 💭#momentsequalmomentum ✨ pic.twitter.com/D3cgEtZGzt
— Renee Montgomery (@ReneeMontgomery) February 26, 2021 @ReneeMontgomery
Montgomery played 2 seasons with the Atlanta Dream before opting out of the 2020 WNBA season to focus on social justice initiatives.
In fact, the 2-time WNBA champion was an outspoken supporter of the WNBA and its players for pushing Black Lives Matter messaging during games -- despite pushback from Sen. Loeffler.
Loeffler was loudly against the WNBA promoting the Black Lives Matter movement during the 2020 season -- claiming it "promoted violence and destruction across the country."
Montgomery publicly disagreed and questioned why Loeffler "wants to be involved with a brand that just doesn't align with her views."
Loeffler and her former Dream co-owner Mary Brock issued a statement on the deal -- saying, "10 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."
Renee and her team have their work cut out for them -- the Dream was 7-15 in 2020 and didn't make the playoffs.
However, there are bright spots on the roster including rising stars like Chennedy Carter, who made the WNBA's All-Rookie Team after an impressive 2020 season.
Montgomery has been super busy off-the-court -- she recently teamed up with Marshawn Lynch as a co-owner of Team Beasts in the new Fan Controlled Football League.
Plus, she also co-hosts the "TMZ Sports" TV show, which airs nightly on FS1.
Congrats!!!
Originally Published -- 9:02 AM PT