Canada’s first WNBA team has a new owner: Serena Williams
Sport04.03.2025
Serena Williams may have become a household name for conquering the tennis world, but now she’s setting her sights on a new game.
On Monday, the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first-ever women’s pro basketball team, announced that Williams is joining the ownership group, alongside lead owner Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” Williams said in a statement. “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.”
Momentum behind the team has been building since the Women’s National Basketball Association announced its expansion into Canada in May 2024, marking the first official league outside of the United States.
In January, Sephora Canada announced its partnership with the team, joining as the first Founding Partner and the Official Beauty Partner of the Tempo. Monica Wright Roger, a decorated athlete in her own right, also joined the team as the general manager in late February.
And now, with one of the world’s most celebrated athletes in their court, all eyes will be on Toronto when the Tempo premiere as a team in the 2026 WNBA season.
“Serena is a champion,” explains Teresa Resch, President of the Tempo Basketball Club. “She’s the greatest athlete of all time, and her impact on this team and this country is going to be incredible.”
The team also announced that Williams will play a key role in shaping the Tempo’s visual identity, including jersey design and merchandise collaborations.
While Williams’ ownership stake is pending final league approval, there is no doubt that excitement for this new chapter in Canadian women’s sports is growing.
“She’s set the bar for women in sport, business and the world – and her commitment to using that success to create opportunities for other women is inspiring,” added Resch. “We’re thrilled to be marking the lead-up to International Women’s Day with this announcement.
