Serena Williams joins WNBA expansion team Toronto Tempo's ownership group
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Tennis great Serena Williams has joined the WNBA expansion team Toronto Tempo’s ownership group, the franchise announced Monday in a news release.

"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. I am excited to partner with Larry (Tanenbaum) and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy."

The team is owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, and Tanenbaum is the chairman of the group. He is also the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the  and  among other pro sports franchises. Tanenbaum also wields influence as the chairman of the NBA’s board of governors.

The team said Williams’ ownership investment is pending league approval. The WNBA , and the league is .

"Serena is a champion," Tempo president Teresa Resch said. "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."

The Tempo, which will begin play in 2026, said Williams’ ownership investment is pending league approval. The WNBA awarded Toronto an expansion team in May, and the league is looking to add a 16th team.

"Serena is a champion," Tempo president Teresa Resch said. "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."

The Tempo, which will begin play in 2026, said Williams’ ownership investment is pending league approval. The WNBA awarded Toronto an expansion team in May, and the league is looking to add a 16th team.

"We want to build an ownership group that is a reflection of the values of the women’s sports community," said Williams. "We are excited to work with the leadership of Kilmer Sports Ventures, the Canadian Women's Sports Council, and the Province of Ontario to ensure that we create a great business, great community, and great culture."

The team said Williams’ ownership investment is pending league approval. The WNBA awarded Toronto an expansion team in May, and the league is looking to add a 16th team.

"We want to build an ownership group that is a reflection of the values of the women’s sports community," said Williams. "We are excited to work with the leadership of Kilmer Sports Ventures, the Canadian Women's Sports Council, and the Province of Ontario to ensure that we create a great business, great community, and great culture."

The team said Williams’ ownership investment is pending league approval. The WNBA awarded Toronto an expansion team in May, and the league is looking to add a 16th team.

"We want to build an ownership group that is a reflection of the values of the women’s sports community," said Williams. "We are excited to work with the leadership of Kilmer Sports Ventures, the Canadian Women's Sports Council, and the Province of Ontario to ensure that we create a great business, great community, and great culture."
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