Tennis great Serena Williams is the newest member of the Toronto Tempo’s ownership group, the WNBA expansion franchise announced Monday.
“New court, new game,” the team posted on X along with a 15-second video that features Williams “dribbling” with a tennis ball.
Williams joins principal owner Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, whose holdings include the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto FC of MLS.
“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model and a force for change in the world,” Tanenbaum said in a news release. “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.”
Williams, 43, won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, one shy of the record held by Margaret Court. She was ranked No. 1 for 319 weeks and earned nearly $95 million in prize money.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” Williams said. “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 and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”
Officially announced as the WNBA’s 14th team in May 2024, the Tempo are the league’s first team based outside of the United States. They will begin play in 2026.
The team said Williams’ role will include “bringing the Tempo to life visually,” including active participation in future jersey designs and forging new merchandise collaborations.
“Serena is a champion,” team 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.”
Williams’ investment in the Tempo is still pending final league approval, the team said.
–Field Level Media
