In a groundbreaking move, tennis legend Serena Williams is amplifying her commitment to women’s sports through her recent acquisition of an ownership stake in the Toronto Tempo, the inaugural expansion team of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in Canada. This exciting development, announced on Monday, signifies Williams’s persistent advocacy for female athletes and her belief in the growing market of women’s sports. Set to debut in the 2026 season, the Tempo is backed by Larry Tanenbaum, a prominent figure in the sports industry and chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures.
Williams’ involvement with the Tempo not only highlights her dedication to empowering women in athletics but also showcases her forward-thinking investment strategy. Recognizing the burgeoning landscape of women’s sports, she remarked, “Women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity.” This perspective reflects a broader trend, wherein female sports leagues and teams are gaining recognition and financial viability, presenting compelling prospects for investors willing to support them. However, details surrounding the specific percentage of her ownership remain undisclosed, leaving some financial analysts curious about the scale of her investment.
Adding to her active role, Williams will influence the team’s branding, an endeavor that encompasses everything from jersey designs to merchandise partnerships. This aspect of her ownership points to a larger vision of creating a strong identity for the Tempo, one that resonates with both fans and the community. “Serena is a champion… and her impact on this team and this country is going to be incredible,” commented Teresa Resch, the president of the Tempo Basketball Club. This partnership further emphasizes how Williams, revered not just as an athlete but also as a cultural icon, can bring significant visibility and authenticity to the franchise.
Since her retirement from professional tennis in August 2022, Williams has adeptly diversified her interests beyond the tennis court. In addition to the Toronto Tempo, she holds ownership stakes in several other sports entities, including a minority interest in the NWSL’s Angel City FC, the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, and TGL’s Los Angeles Golf Club. This multifaceted approach reflects her desire to remain an influential figure in the sports world, championing initiatives that support women’s advancement and visibility in various athletic fields.
While the announcement of her investment has stirred excitement among fans and stakeholders alike, the deal must still secure final approval from the WNBA. This pending aspect underscores the complexities involved in professional sports ownership and the necessary regulatory considerations that such expansions entail. The anticipation surrounding the Tempo’s entry into the league adds another layer to the evolving narrative of women’s sports, and many are eager to witness the changes Williams will inspire within the WNBA and beyond.
Williams’ latest venture not only solidifies her legacy as an athlete but also positions her as a pivotal figure in the growth and recognition of women’s sports on a global scale. As the landscape evolves, her investments are poised to cultivate a lasting impact across various athletic disciplines, encouraging future generations of female athletes.