Serena Williams Joins WNBA Ownership Group in Toronto

Serena Williams, one of the world's most celebrated athletes, has joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the first Canadian franchise in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The announcement, made on March 3, 2025, marks a significant milestone for the team and the sport of women's basketball in Canada.

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and a trailblazer in women's sports, will partner with Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, to bring her expertise and global influence to the Toronto Tempo. As part of her ownership role, Williams will contribute to bringing the Tempo to life visually, playing an active role in future jersey designs and helping forge unique merchandise collaborations with the team.

The addition of Williams to the ownership group is expected to have a significant impact on the team's financial prospects. Her global recognition and influence can help attract new fans, secure more sponsorship deals, and drive merchandise sales. Moreover, her involvement may attract other investors, both individual and institutional, who see the value in aligning with a globally recognized and successful athlete like Williams.

Williams' investment in the Toronto Tempo is pending final league approval, but her presence in the ownership group signals a vote of confidence in the team's potential and the WNBA's growth prospects. The Tempo is set to begin playing at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2026 and will also host regular-season games in Montreal and Vancouver.



The Toronto Tempo's ownership group is led by Larry Tanenbaum, a 30-year veteran of building championship-caliber teams and the Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors. Under his leadership, the Toronto Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019. With Williams' addition to the ownership group, the Toronto Tempo is poised to become a formidable force in the WNBA and a symbol of women's empowerment in sports.

In conclusion, Serena Williams' joining the Toronto Tempo ownership group is a significant development for the team and the WNBA. Her global recognition, influence, and business acumen can help enhance the team's financial prospects, attract new fans, and inspire women in sports. As the Toronto Tempo prepares to take the court in 2026, the addition of Williams to the ownership group signals a promising future for the franchise and the sport of women's basketball in Canada.