Tennis great Serena Williams has joined the WNBA expansion team Toronto Tempo’s ownership group, the franchise announced Monday in a news release.
‘I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,’ Williams said in a statement. ‘This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes – I have always said that women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity. I am excited to partner with Larry (Tanenbaum) and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.’
The team is owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, and Tanenbaum is the chairman of the group. He is also the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs among other pro sports franchises. Tanenbaum also wields influence as the chairman of the NBA’s board of governors.
The team said Williams, who won 23 Grand Slam women’s single titles, will ‘contribute to bringing the Tempo to life visually. She’ll play an active role in future jersey designs and will help forge unique merchandise collaborations with the team.’
Said Tanenbaum: ‘Serena Williams is an icon, a role model and a force for change in the world. She’s earned every bit of her incredible success with hard work, tenacity and determination in the face of countless challenges. She exemplifies the very best of what the Tempo stand for – we couldn’t be more honored to have Serena in our court.’
WOMEN’S SPORTS: The latest news and insider insights from USA TODAY Studio IX.
The Tempo, which will begin play in 2026, said Williams’ ownership investment is pending league approval. The WNBA awarded Toronto an expansion team in May, and the league is looking to add a 16th team.
‘Serena is a champion,’ Tempo president Teresa Resch said. ‘She’s the greatest athlete of all time, and her impact on this team and this country is going to be incredible. She’s set the bar for women in sport, business and the world – and her commitment to using that success to create opportunities for other women is inspiring. We’re thrilled to be marking the lead-up to International Women’s Day with this announcement.’
