Serena Williams has announced her involvement in a historic development for the WNBA, joining the ownership group of its first-ever Canadian franchise, the Toronto Tempo. The team is set to begin play in the 2026 season and will include Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, as one of her partners. The announcement was made on Monday.
Williams expressed her excitement and ambition for this new venture, emphasizing that her role extends beyond the basketball court. “I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” she stated. “This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about highlighting the significant value and potential of female athletes. Women’s sports have always represented a tremendous investment opportunity. Joining forces with Larry and connecting with all of Canada to build this WNBA franchise and legacy is something I eagerly look forward to.”
Known as one of the most successful tennis players, Williams will contribute to the design of future team jerseys. Her illustrious tennis career began at a young age when she debuted professionally at 14 during a Canadian tournament in 1995. Her career concluded at the 2022 U.S. Open after amassing 23 Grand Slam singles titles—the highest for any woman in the sport’s Open era—and securing 14 major women’s doubles titles alongside her sister, Venus.
Tempo President Teresa Resch lauded Williams, saying, “Serena is a champion, and her impact on this team and country will be formidable. Her achievements have not only set a high standard in sports and business but also in creating broader opportunities for women. Announcing this during the run-up to International Women’s Day is particularly significant and exciting for us.”
Williams is joining an esteemed group of former athletes who have taken ownership roles in the WNBA, which already includes Magic Johnson, Tom Brady, Dwyane Wade, and Renee Montgomery. This isn’t Williams’ first venture into sports ownership; she has previously invested in Angel City FC, a women’s soccer team. Additionally, she has minor ownership stakes in the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Golf Club, part of a virtual golf league associated with prominent golfers like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian, also makes significant contributions to sports, having donated millions to support the women’s basketball program at his alma mater, University of Virginia, the previous year.
