Serena Williams is joining the ownership group of the WNBA’s first Canadian franchise, the Toronto Tempo.
She’ll be teaming up with Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, for the new team, which will begin playing in the 2026 season.
“I’m beyond excited to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” Williams said. “This moment is bigger than basketball; it’s about showing the world the true value and potential of female athletes. I’ve always believed that women’s sports are an incredible investment, and I’m thrilled to partner with Larry and all of Canada in building this new franchise and legacy.”
Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, will also have an active role in designing future jerseys for the team.
Her connection to Canada runs deep—she made her pro tennis debut at 14 at a tournament in Canada in 1995, and her last event was the 2022 U.S. Open. Williams won 23 Grand Slam singles titles (the most by any woman in the Open era) and 14 major women’s doubles titles alongside her sister, Venus.
Serena joins a growing list of former pro athletes getting involved in WNBA ownership. Magic Johnson, Tom Brady, Dwyane Wade, and Renee Montgomery are also owners.
This isn’t her first venture into ownership. Williams already has a stake in Angel City FC, a women’s soccer team, and holds minority stakes in the Miami Dolphins and TGL’s Los Angeles Golf Club, the virtual golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Serena’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, has also been making waves in the sports world. Last year, he donated millions to Virginia’s women’s basketball program, his alma mater.
