Serena Williams Becomes Part-Owner of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo Franchise
Tennis legend Serena Williams has expanded her impressive portfolio by becoming a part-owner of the WNBA’s new expansion team, the Toronto Tempo, which is set to debut in 2026.
The franchise, announced on Monday, revealed that Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, has joined an ownership group led by Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” Williams said in a statement. “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, and I am excited to partner with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”
In addition to her ownership role, Williams will contribute to the team’s branding, including future jersey designs and merchandise collaborations. With a background in design and a long-standing presence in the fashion world, Williams is excited to bring her creative vision to the franchise.
This season, the WNBA is expanding to 13 teams with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries. By 2026, the Tempo, along with a new franchise in Portland, Oregon, will bring the league’s total number of teams to 15. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed hopes of reaching 16 teams by 2028.
“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model, and a force for change in the world,” Tanenbaum said. “She exemplifies everything the Tempo stand for. We are beyond honored to have Serena on board.”
Williams’ illustrious career includes 23 Grand Slam singles titles and nearly $95 million in career earnings. She has long expressed interest in owning a WNBA team, and in addition to the Toronto Tempo, she is a minority owner of Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, a part of Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL, and has a stake in the Miami Dolphins alongside her sister, Venus Williams.
Last year, Williams told CNN’s Amanda Davies that owning a WNBA team was a top priority for her. “With the right market, I would definitely be super interested in that,” she said, acknowledging the growing popularity of women’s basketball.
Beyond sports, Williams has made significant investments through her company, Serena Ventures, which has backed 66 startups, including 16 unicorns. She focuses on supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs, with 78% of the startups in which Serena Ventures has invested being led by women and people of color.
As a seasoned investor, Williams has expressed confidence in the future of women’s sports. Citing record-breaking NCAA women’s basketball viewership as proof of the growing demand, she said:
Women’s sport is exciting, women are exciting to watch. What’s the difference? … People are realizing that women’s sports are just as exciting as the men’s.