Serena Williams joins Tempo's ownership group
Decorated tennis icon Serena Williams joined the Toronto Tempo's ownership group as a managing partner, the team announced Monday.
Williams is the first investor to take up an ownership stake in the expansion franchise alongside principal owner Kilmer Sports Ventures, which is helmed by Toronto businessman Larry Tanenbaum.
"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 and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy."
The Tempo said Williams, who made her professional tennis debut in Canada at the 1995 Tournoi de Quebec at the age of 14, will assist in jersey designs as well as merchandise collaborations in the future.
"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."
Williams won 23 Grand Slams during a career spanning nearly three decades, the most in the Open Era and second all-time behind the 24 won by Margaret Court. She also captured four gold medals throughout three Olympic tournaments for the United States; she won three doubles tournaments alongside sister Venus Williams in 2000, 2008, and 2012, and she won the latter's singles competition, defeating longtime rival Maria Sharapova in the London final.
The Tempo will be joined by a team in Portland as the two WNBA expansion franchises beginning play in 2026. Toronto plans to play some of its home matchups in other Canadian cities during its inaugural campaign, including Montreal and Vancouver.