She’s stepping into a new arena!
Serena Williams has officially joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first-ever WNBA team, People reports. Williams took to social media to announce the good news, releasing a promo video in honor of the new ownership.
“New court, new game. I am incredibly excited to join the @torontotempo as the team’s newest owner,” wrote Williams.
The WNBA awarded Toronto an expansion team in May 2024, marking the league’s first franchise outside the United States. The Toronto Tempo will begin playing in the 2026 season, while the 2025 WNBA season officially tips off on May 16. The tennis phenom will now serve as team owner alongside Kilmer Sports Ventures chairman Larry Tanenbaum.
Williams, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and 23-time Grand Slam champion, is ready to bring her game-changing mindset to a new sport, expanding her already colossal imprint on the sport’s world.
“To me, being an owner is about fueling something bigger than myself. 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 incredible athletes that will be part of this team,” Williams wrote on her Instagram Stories.
While Williams’ investment is still pending league approval, she’s already preparing to make an impact. According to a press release, she plans to assist with jersey designs and create exclusive merchandise collaborations for Tempo. The offerings are very on-brand for the fashion-forward superstar who made history as the first athlete to receive the CFDA Fashion Icon award and launched her own clothing line, Serena, in 2018.
For Williams, joining a Canadian franchise is also a full-circle moment, making her debut in the country three decades ago.
“Canada has always been a special place for me. I played my first professional tennis game in Quebec City. And I love Toronto – the culture, the food, the people,” she shared.
At just 19 years old, Williams won her first Rogers Cup title in Toronto, a moment that solidified her dominance in the sport. Now, she’s bringing that same championship energy to the WNBA.
The Toronto Tempo couldn’t be more thrilled and excited to welcome the star power to their city.
“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model, and a force for change in the world,” Tanenbaum said in a statement. “She exemplifies the very best of what the Tempo stand for – we couldn’t be more honored to have Serena in our court.”
Tempo Basketball Club President Teresa Resch echoed the sentiment, emphasizing Williams’ impact on women’s sports.
“Serena is a champion. 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, who became part owner of the Miami Dolphins in 2009 alongside her sister Venus Williams, is passionate about ushering in a new era for women’s sports.
“This moment is not just about basketball,” she said. “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.”
From the tennis court to the front office, Serena Williams continues to break barriers, proving once again that she’s not just winning games—she’s changing them.
Cover photo: Serena Williams Becomes Part Owner of Canada’s First WNBA Team, Toronto Tempo/Photo credit: Toronto Tempo/WNBA/Instagram