Three-time WNBA All-Star Sabrina Ionescu also invests in NWSL club Bay FC.
Tennis icon Serena Williams has become a part-owner of Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) expansion franchise Toronto Tempo.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam women’s singles champion, will join the Tempo’s ownership group, alongside Larry Tanenbaum. Tanenbaum is the chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, which controls the team.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” said Williams.
“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’ ownership stake is pending approval from the WNBA. As part of her ownership role, the Tempo said she will play an active role in future jersey designs, as well as forging unique merchandise collaborations with the team.
The Tempo were confirmed last May as the WNBA’s 14th franchise, and its first to be based outside of the US. Starting in 2026, they will play their home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum in downtown Toronto, with certain regular season games to also be held in Montreal and Vancouver.
Tempo president Teresa Resch told CBC that Williams “is the first of multiple owners” the franchise will announce, in the lead up to its debut next year. She added that Williams had first approached the WNBA about potential investment opportunities, with Toronto then becoming her chosen 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.”
In other news, three-time WNBA All-Star Sabrina Ionescu has become an investor and an official commercial advisor to National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club Bay FC.
Ionescu will work with the team on commercial strategy and will support Bay FC players to develop their portfolio of brand endorsements.
“I am excited to join Bay FC as an investor and commercial advisor for the latest NWSL team,” said Ionescu. “I have full faith in the Club’s vision and its potential to make a profound impact within and beyond women’s soccer.
“The Bay FC team and I look forward to driving branding partnerships for the Bay FC athletes and contributing to the overall success of the club. As someone with deep ties to the Bay Area, this opportunity holds even more significance, and I am truly honoured to be a part of such a special endeavour to continue to grow women’s sports.”
Off the court, the New York Liberty ace has become a brand ambassador for numerous companies, including Body Armor, Fanatics, AT&T and Michelob Ultra. She was also the first women’s basketball player to launch a unisex signature shoe collection with Nike in 2023.
“Sabrina is the ultimate innovator and creates new pathways for aspiring and current professional athletes. Adding her passion and vision to what we are building at Bay FC will allow us to further disrupt the sports landscape,” said Brady Stewart, Bay FC chief executive.
“Her roots in the Bay Area and commitment to being a catalyst for positive change in women’s sports represents who we are at Bay FC. We look forward to partnering with her to continue reaching our goal of being a top global sports franchise.”