Serena Williams, the legendary tennis champion, has expanded her involvement in professional sports by joining the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the first Canadian franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
The Tempo are set to debut in the 2026 season.
Williams partners with Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, in this venture.
Expressing her enthusiasm, Williams stated, “I am thrilled to announce my ownership in the Toronto Tempo, and to be a part of the first WNBA team in Canada.”
Beyond her ownership role, Williams plans to actively contribute to the team’s branding efforts, including involvement in jersey designs and merchandise collaborations.
This initiative aligns with her commitment to highlighting the potential and value of female athletes.
The Toronto Tempo will play their home games in a downtown Toronto arena with a seating capacity of 8,700 and will also host additional games in Montreal and Vancouver.
This expansion marks a significant milestone for the WNBA, as the Tempo will be the league’s first team based outside the United States.
Williams’ involvement with the Tempo adds to her diverse sports investment portfolio, which includes stakes in Angel City FC, the Miami Dolphins, and the Los Angeles Golf Club of TGL.
Her participation in the Toronto Tempo underscores her dedication to advancing women’s sports and empowering female athletes on a global scale.
