WNBA expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo, have added Serena Williams as a new owner more than three years after her tennis retirement.
Williams is already a minority owner if the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, the NWSL’s Angel City FC, and TGL upstarts the Los Angeles Golf Club.
Now, she enters the WNBA with the Canadian franchise that will begin play in 2026 as the league’s 14th team, after the Golden State Valkyries start this year as No 13.
Williams was announced in a video with the quote ‘New Court, New Game’ as she bounces a tennis ball before switching to a basketball.
‘I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,’ said Serena Williams via news release. ‘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 has stayed in the headlines over the last month in the aftermath of her Super Bowl appearance during Kendrick Lamar‘s halftime show.
Williams has become one of the owners of WNBA expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo
Williams already has an ownership stake in three other teams including the Miami Dolphins
New court, new game We’re thrilled to announce that @SerenaWilliams – legendary tennispro – has joined the team as the newest owner of the Toronto Tempo. pic.twitter.com/kRPYNvdoya
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) March 3, 2025
Now, after earning $94million during her tennis career, Williams has continued to invest in sports during retirement.
‘Serena is a champion,’ added Tempo President Teresa Resch via news release. ‘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.’
The Tempo state that Williams will be part of the team that designs future jerseys and will help secure ‘unique merchandise collaborations’.
The Tempo are the first non-American team to play in the WNBA, with no players yet signed to their roster.
Toronto also has the only non-American team in the NBA and MLB in the Raptors and Blue Jays respectively.
