Serena Williams, one of the world’s most popular athletes, has become the newest member of the ownership group for Canada’s first WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo.

Retired tennis great Williams, who won 23 major titles, joins the team’s ownership group alongside Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, the NBA Board of Governors and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the city’s NBA, NHL and MLS teams.

The Toronto Tempo are scheduled to begin play in 2026 as the WNBA’s 14th franchise and will compete in the league as a member of the Eastern Conference. The Tempo will be the first WNBA team located outside of the United States and the first in Canada.

The team will play their matches at the Coca-Cola Coliseum and host regular-season games across Canada.

“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” said 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.”

The 43-year-old’s other business ventures include a minority ownership in the NFL’s Miami Dolphins team. She and her husband Alexis Ohanian – the co-founder of Reddit – are also founding members of NWSL’s Angel City FC.

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According to the Toronto Tempo, Williams will contribute to “bringing the Tempo to life visually”. She will play an active role in future jersey designs and help forge unique merchandise collaborations with the team.

Canada holds a special place in Williams’ life. The former world No. 1 made her professional debut in Canada in 1995, kick-starting a record-setting career that saw her claim 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including 23 major women’s singles titles – the most in the Open Era.

“Serena is a champion,” said Teresa Resch, President of 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.”

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“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.”

“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model and a force for change in the world. 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 honored to have Serena in our court.”

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The Toronto Tempo is one of three new teams set to join the WNBA alongside the Golden State Valkyries, who are set to debut in 2025, and a Portland franchise launching in 2026.

These additions mark the WNBA’s largest growth in nearly two decades, fueled by record-breaking attendance, soaring viewership, and increased investments in women’s sports.