The WNBA’s soon to be first Canadian franchise, the Toronto Tempo, have announced that tennis legend Serena Williams is joining the team’s ownership group.
Williams will join Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, as the franchises first set of owners as the team prepares to begin playing in 2026.
“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” said Williams 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. I am excited to partner with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”
Long considered the G.O.A.T. amongst tennis circles, Williams will take an active role in the team’s marketing, jersey designs, and cross-collaborations moving forward.
“Serena is a champion,” said team president Teresa Resch in a statement. “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.”
New co-owner Larry Tanenbaum was quick to add “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 honoured to have Serena in our court.”
The Tempo kick off their inaugural season at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in summer of 2026.
Photo: Edwin Martinez. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.