Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champ, has invested in the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA’s first-ever Canadian team.
Forbes announced on March 3, 2025, that joining forces with Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures and a Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment heavyweight, she’s diving into the league’s 14th franchise, set to launch in 2026 as part of the Eastern Conference.
Breaking: Serena Williams is joining the ownership group for the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's newest expansion team, she announced on social media. pic.twitter.com/WVgJVu1BYm
— espnW (@espnW) March 3, 2025A Game-Changer for Women’s Sports
The Toronto Tempo will call Coca-Cola Coliseum home and plans to play regular-season games across Canada, breaking new ground as the WNBA’s first team outside the US. “This isn’t just basketball—it’s about proving the value of female athletes,” Williams declared. She’s thrilled to team up with Tanenbaum and shape the franchise’s future, including jersey designs and merchandise collabs. Canada holds personal meaning for her—it’s where she debuted as a pro in 1995 before dominating tennis.
Serena Williams, one of the world’s most celebrated athletes, will be a new owner of the Toronto Tempo, the team announced today. pic.twitter.com/b3bG61J4xW
— Savanna Hamilton (@SavHamilton11) March 3, 2025Teresa Resch, Tempo Basketball Club President, hailed Williams as “the greatest athlete of all time.” She emphasized Serena’s clout in women’s sports and business, especially timely with International Women’s Day nearing. Williams’ hands-on role will amplify the Toronto Tempo’s brand from day one.
Read: Serena Williams Steps into Digital Space with Trendy Gen Z-Styled Video
The WNBA rides a wave of record attendance and investment. The Toronto Tempo joins the Golden State Valkyries (2025) and a Portland team (2026), marking the league’s boldest growth spurt in nearly 20 years. With Williams on board, the Tempo’s debut promises to elevate women’s basketball globally.
