Tennis legend Serena Williams has officially joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, making history as the first part-owner of Canada’s inaugural WNBA team. The announcement, made on March 3, 2025, has sparked excitement and anticipation for women's sports across the country.
Williams, who has long been advocating for women's sports, expressed her enthusiasm for this new venture. "I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo. This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes — I have always said women's sports are an incredible investment opportunity," Williams stated. Her words resonate with her lifelong commitment to empowering female athletes and promoting equitable opportunities within the sports industry.
Joining Williams as part of the ownership group is Larry Tanenbaum, the Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, who is well-known for his influence within the Canadian sports scene. With the Tempo set to launch its inaugural season in 2026 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, Williams looks forward to actively contributing to the franchise's identity and growth, particularly through roles involving future jersey designs and merchandise collaborations.
Teresa Resch, President of the Toronto Tempo, underscored Williams' impact stating, "Serena is a champion. 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 her success to create opportunities for other women is inspiring." This sentiment reflects the overall excitement surrounding the Tempo and its potential contribution to women’s professional sports.
Social media has buzzed with reactions from fans who celebrate Williams' ownership move as groundbreaking. One enthusiastic user remarked, "That’s a game-changing move! Serena brings the same championship mentality to the business side as she did on the court. Big win for the Toronto Tempo." Another added, "Serena Williams’ influence expands! Exciting new chapter ahead." Such online sentiments demonstrate how Williams’ connection with the team is raising the profile of the WNBA and inspiring female athletes everywhere.
The Toronto Tempo, which will also host games outside of Toronto, including Montreal and Vancouver, hopes to leverage Williams' storied career and celebrity status to attract talent and boost team visibility. It was revealed recently by Tanenbaum, "Serena Williams is an icon, a role model, and a force for change in the world. She exemplifies the very best of what the Tempo stands for — we couldn’t be more honored to have Serena join our court." This exemplifies the mixture of pride and excitement felt by the management of the Tempo with Williams on board.
From her professional debut on Canadian soil back in 1995 to her current role as owner, Williams has always had strong ties to Canada and has cultivated many significant achievements throughout her illustrious tennis career, including winning 23 Grand Slam women’s singles titles. Now, her stake within the WNBA reflects not only her sporting legacy but her unwavering dedication to creating paths for women athletes.
While her ownership stake is pending final league approval, the excitement surrounding the Toronto Tempo marks a pivotal moment for the franchise as it prepares for its launch. Media coverage has highlighted the team's commitment to building a legacy centered around women's empowerment, particularly with Williams as one of its most prominent figures.
Overall, Williams' commitment to sports ownership has been positively received, and the upcoming connection between the new franchise and her personal brand could inspire many young athletes who look up to her. With International Women’s Day on the horizon, Williams' ownership is seen as timely and representative of the growing recognition and investment opportunities within women’s sports.
With the Toronto Tempo planned to begin their play soon and Williams as part of the ownership team, the anticipation for the upcoming season continues to grow. This initiative confirms the notion among advocates and fans alike: Women’s sports are not just worthy of investment — they are, and will continue to be, pivotal to the future of athletics.