Serena Williams has joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, a WNBA expansion franchise, the team announced on Monday.
The news was shared on the team’s social media with a video of Williams playfully dribbling a tennis ball, captioned “New court, new game.”
The Toronto Tempo’s principal owner is Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, who also holds stakes in several Canadian sports teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and Toronto FC. Tanenbaum has been a key figure in bringing the WNBA to Toronto.
Williams, a retired tennis icon, has previously expressed interest in expanding her business ventures and investments in professional sports.
Her addition to the Toronto Tempo ownership group is expected to increase the franchise’s visibility, particularly among tennis fans, and enhance its marketability.
Williams joins a growing trend of athletes investing in sports franchises, allowing them to stay connected to the sports world beyond their playing careers.
The Toronto Tempo aims to build a competitive roster and establish a strong presence in the WNBA.
The team plans to play home games at a prominent venue in Toronto and is working on creating a fan-friendly environment. Preparations for the team’s inaugural season are underway.
