Serena Williams Joins Ownership Group of WNBA’s Toronto Tempo
Tennis legend Serena Williams now owns a WNBA team, adding to her already legendary career. The 23-time Grand Slam champion owns the Toronto Tempo, an expansion franchise set to make its league debut in 2026.
Including Williams in the ownership group overseen by Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, is a significant moment in women’s sports history. The tennis legend expressed her excitement, stressing that this move extends beyond basketball.
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“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” Williams stated. “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 will play a role in the team’s branding, including designing jerseys and collaborating on merchandise. Given her long-standing influence in fashion and her background in design, fans can expect innovation and stylish apparel related to the new franchise. As the league experiences an unprecedented surge in popularity, the WNBA’s expansion is happening. This season, the Golden State Valkyries joined as the 13th team, with the Toronto Tempo and a forthcoming Portland franchise set to bring the total to 15 in 2026. The league’s rapid growth is being reinforced by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s vision of expanding to 16 teams by 2028.
Larry Tanenbaum lauded Williams’ inclusion in the ownership group and acknowledged her as a pioneer in sports and business.
“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model, and a force for change in the world,” Tanenbaum said. “She exemplifies the very best of what the Tempo stand for – we couldn’t be more honored to have Serena in our court.”
Williams has voiced her interest in team ownership for some time now. Along with her sister Venus Williams, she already owns Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TGL, and the Miami Dolphins.
Her latest venture in the WNBA fits into her broader investment plan of supporting women’s sports and underrepresented entrepreneurs. In an earlier interview with CNN, Williams characterized women’s sports as an overly safe bet” when it comes to investing. “There is no risk (factor),” she said. “Women’s sport is exciting; women are exciting to watch. What’s the difference? … I think that even more people watched college women’s basketball than the men. So I think that people are realizing that it is exciting to watch.”
In addition to sports, Williams has been a significant investor. Through Serena Ventures, she has invested in 66 startups, with 16 achieving unicorn status, meaning companies valued at over $1 billion. Serena Ventures is committed to diversity and has invested in women and entrepreneurs of color in 78% of their investments. Williams is reshaping the sports business landscape as she steps into WNBA ownership. Her contribution to the Toronto Tempo not only boosts the franchise but also bolsters the growing movement of female athletes who are leading the charge in sports ownership. Williams’ participation is poised to have a lasting impact, both on and off the court, as the WNBA’s momentum grows.
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