Roughly a week after the Toronto Tempo hired its first-ever GM in Monica Wright Rogers, the team has now announced that tennis legend Serena Williams has joined its ownership group.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” said Serena 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. I am excited to partner with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”
Williams, who joins the team’s ownership group alongside Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, has a special connection with Canada as she made her pro debut in the country in 1995.
30 years and 23 major women’s singles titles later, she’s now an owner of the country’s first WNBA franchise.
“Serena is a champion,” explains Teresa Resch, President, Tempo Basketball Club. “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.”
Serena continues to bolster her investment portfolio, which is valued at $340 million. That includes investments in sports properties.
She and her sister Venus became minority owners of the Miami Dolphins back in 2009. She, and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, became founding members of the NWSL’s Angel City FC ownership group and they are also owners of one of the six founding teams in the TGL, the new golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Another big move by the GOAT of tennis.
