Tennis icon Serena Williams is making headlines once again, this time not for her incredible achievements on the court, but for her strategic investment in women’s sports. The recent announcement of her ownership stake in the Toronto Tempo, a new franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), marks a significant milestone not only for Williams but for the landscape of women’s athletic competitions. Set to launch its inaugural season in 2026, the Tempo stands as the first expansion team from the WNBA in Canada, heralding an exciting chapter for basketball north of the border.
Williams’ enthusiasm for women’s sports as an investment opportunity is clearly stated in her announcement. She expressed eagerness to collaborate with fellow owner Larry Tanenbaum, a prominent figure in the sports industry, to build a legacy through this franchise. While the specifics of her financial stake remain undisclosed, the implications of her involvement extend beyond mere dollars and cents. Williams is positioning herself as a major proponent of women’s athletics and is set to leverage her influence to elevate the profile of the team.
This strategic move serves as a logical extension of Williams’ longstanding commitment to empowering women through sports. Her hands-on approach, which includes shaping the team’s branding from uniforms to merchandise, sends a strong message about the potential of women athletes to shape their own narratives and impact their sports. It’s a proactive step that aims to cultivate a unique identity for the Tempo while emphasizing the importance of representation in athletics.
The presence of Serena Williams in the ownership ranks of the Toronto Tempo is bound to attract significant attention. Teresa Resch, president of the Tempo Basketball Club, hailed Williams as “the greatest athlete of all time,” underscoring the invaluable influence she brings to the organization. Williams offers not only a wealth of experience from her illustrious athletic career but also an unparalleled understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by women in sports. Her advocacy can inspire a deeper connection between the franchise and its fanbase, particularly among aspiring young athletes who look up to her as a role model.
Since her retirement from professional tennis in August 2022, Williams has actively diversified her investments, demonstrating a keen business acumen as well as a desire to uplift women’s sports across various platforms. Her ownership stakes in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Angel City FC and the Miami Dolphins of the NFL further emphasize her commitment to promoting female representation in traditionally male-dominated arenas. She also has ties with TGL’s Los Angeles Golf Club, showcasing her broad interests within the sporting world.
With the deal now pending final league approval, the excitement surrounding the Toronto Tempo is palpable. As the WNBA continues to grow and evolve, Williams’ involvement serves as both a catalyst and a beacon for future investments in women’s sports. Her vision and leadership can potentially revolutionize the perception and viability of women’s athletic franchises, illustrating that with passion and commitment, remarkable change is not only possible but inevitable. Serena Williams continues to inspire, not just as an athlete, but as a pioneering force in the realm of sports ownership.