Serena Williams Ventures into Co-Ownership of Toronto Tempo Ahead of WNBA Season
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/serena-williams-tout-1-030425-e74eccd75c1c47dbabc9dccbdee2261c.jpg)
Renowned tennis superstar Serena Williams has made an exciting announcement about her latest venture. The 43-year-old athlete revealed on Instagram on Monday, March 3, that she has become a co-owner of Toronto Tempo, which is Canada’s first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team. Alongside Larry Tanenbaum, the chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, Williams expressed her enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “New court, new game.”
In a move that shakes up the sports industry, Serena Williams has embraced a change in disciplines by stepping into the basketball realm. The Toronto Tempo, established as an expansion team by the WNBA in May 2024, will be kicking off their inaugural season in 2026, with the upcoming 2025 WNBA season scheduled to commence on May 16.
Having retired from tennis in 2022, Williams sees this ownership role as a platform to contribute to a larger cause beyond herself. She shared on Instagram Stories, “To me, being an owner is about fueling something bigger than myself. I’ve spent my whole life pushing limits on the court, and now I get to do that off the court, for this incredible organization, and the incredible athletes that will be part of this team.”
While the official approval from the league is pending, Williams has big plans in store for her involvement with Toronto Tempo. She aims to lend her expertise to jersey designs and collaborate on merchandise projects for the team. Known for her fashion sense, the tennis legend previously launched her own clothing line, Serena, in 2018.
For Williams, this partnership with a Canada-based team symbolises a return to her roots, as she made her professional tennis debut in the country back in 1995. Reflecting on her connection to Canada, she expressed fond memories of playing in Quebec City and winning her first Rogers Cup in Toronto at just 19 years old.
The excitement is mutual, as Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, lauded Williams for her achievements and resilience in the face of adversity. He highlighted her alignment with Tempo’s values and expressed honour in having her join the team.
Tempo Basketball Club President Teresa Resch emphasised Williams’ profound impact on women’s sports, praising her as a role model and a trailblazer for women in various spheres. Resch acknowledged Williams’ commitment to empowering women and welcomed the collaboration leading up to International Women’s Day.
With a history of co-owning the Miami Dolphins with her sister in 2009, Williams is enthusiastic about promoting the potential of female athletes through this new venture. She sees this moment as an opportunity to showcase the value and excellence of women in sports, underlining the significance of investing in women’s athletics.
Serena Williams’ entry into the ownership realm of Toronto Tempo marks a significant milestone not just for basketball but for female athletes globally. Her dedication to empowering women and championing diversity in sports sets a commendable precedent for the industry as a whole. The sports world eagerly anticipates the impact she will make in shaping the legacy of this new WNBA franchise.