Serena Williams Joins Toronto Tempo Ownership Group
TORONTO – Serena Williams, one of the world’s most celebrated athletes, has officially joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team. Williams will partner with Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, to guide the newly established franchise.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” said Serena Williams. “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, who began her professional tennis career in Canada in 1995, boasts an illustrious record, including 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles and 23 major women’s singles titles — the most in the Open Era. Her experience and leadership are expected to bring significant value to the Tempo and the broader Canadian sports landscape.
“Serena is a champion,” said Teresa Resch, President, 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. 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 – we’re thrilled to be marking the lead-up to International Women’s Day with this announcement.”
As part of her ownership role, Williams will help bring the Tempo to life visually by playing an active role in future jersey designs and forging unique merchandise collaborations with the team.
“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model and a force for change in the world,” added Larry Tanenbaum. “She’s earned every bit of her incredible success with hard work, tenacity and determination in the face of countless challenges. She exemplifies the very best of what the Tempo stand for – we couldn’t be more honoured to have Serena in our court.”
The Toronto Tempo will begin playing at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2026 and will also host regular-season games across Canada. For more information about the team and details on how to register for the Season Ticket Waitlist, visit tempo.wnba.com.
Williams’ investment in the team is pending final league approval.
In May 2024, the WNBA announced its expansion into Canada, awarding Toronto an expansion team, the league’s first outside the United States. Owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, the Toronto Tempo will begin play in the 2026 season as the WNBA’s 14th franchise. Sephora Canada is the team’s first announced founding partner. Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures and Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, has a long history of building championship-caliber teams, including leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019.
