Tennis legend Serena Williams is making waves off the court as she joins the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first-ever WNBA team.
Williams, alongside Kilmer Sports Ventures chairman Larry Tanenbaum, is set to help shape the franchise, which will debut in the 2026 WNBA season.
Williams’ move into WNBA ownership marks a significant milestone for both women’s sports and international basketball.
Her involvement, pending league approval, extends beyond finances—she plans to contribute to jersey designs and merchandise collaborations, drawing on her extensive fashion and business expertise.
“New court, new game,” Williams, 43, wrote on Instagram. “I’ve spent my whole life pushing limits on the court, and now I get to do that off the court, for this incredible organization and the athletes that will be part of this team.”
A Landmark Expansion for the WNBA
The Toronto Tempo was announced as the WNBA’s newest expansion franchise in May 2024, marking the league’s first team outside the U.S.
The expansion represents a historic step in internationalizing women’s professional basketball, with Canada’s strong basketball culture and fanbase primed for success.
“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model, and a force for change in the world,” said Tanenbaum. “She exemplifies the very best of what the Tempo stand for—we couldn’t be more honored to have Serena in our court.”
Toronto Tempo Basketball Club President Teresa Resch stressed Williams’ impact on women’s sports, stating:
“Serena has set the bar for women in sport, business, and beyond—her commitment to creating opportunities for women is inspiring.”
A Personal and Strategic Move for Williams
Williams’ ties to Canada run deep—her first professional tennis match took place in Quebec City in 1995, and she later won her first Rogers Cup in Toronto at 19. She described her decision to invest in the Tempo as a “homecoming”, sharing her excitement about Toronto’s culture and sports scene.
Beyond her on-court dominance, Williams has a strong track record in sports investment. In 2009, she and her sister Venus Williams became minority owners of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, paving the way for greater representation of Black women in sports ownership.
“Women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity,” Williams stated. “This moment is not just about basketball—it’s about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes. I am excited to partner with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”
Williams’ involvement in the Toronto Tempo underscores a new era for women’s sports—one where female athletes are not just players, but decision-makers and industry leaders.
