Serena Williams joins ownership group for Toronto Tempo WNBA expansion team
'This moment is not just about basketball, it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes.'
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After ruling the tennis court for more than two decades, Serena Williams is looking towards the basketball court as her next venture.
The 23-time major winner is joining the ownership group for the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA expansion franchise announced on Monday.
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Serena Williams joins ownership group for Toronto Tempo WNBA expansion team Back to video
Williams joins the team’s ownership group alongside Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” Serena Williams said in a statement released by the team. “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.”
Williams, who also won four Olympic gold medals during her illustrious career, made her pro debut in Canada in 1995. She has won 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles and holds the Open Era record for most major women’s singles titles.
“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’t just be sitting back in a passive role, either. The team says that the women’s sporting icon will contribute to bringing the Tempo to life visually, playing an active role in future jersey designs and helping to “forge unique merchandise collaborations with the team.”
“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model and a force for change in the world,” Tanenbaum said. “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 honoured to have Serena in our court.”
The Tempo is set to begin playing in the 2026 season.
Williams’ investment in the team is pending final league approval.
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