Tennis superstar joins ownership group of WNBA’s expansion franchise

The first WNBA franchise from Canada, Toronto Tempo, have welcomed Serena Williams into their group.

The WNBA has already announced the expansion of the teams, and for the first time, they will invite a team from Canada. One of the greatest Tennis players of all time has joined the ownership of the league’s expansion franchise. The first WNBA franchise from Canada, Toronto Tempo, have welcomed Serena Williams into their group.

The 43-year-old tennis superstar will be part of the ownership group featuring Larry Tanenbaum. Larry is the chairman of controllers Kilmer Sports Ventures, and she also owns the soccer team AS Saint-Étienne (Ligue 1).

New court, new game 🏀

We’re thrilled to announce that @SerenaWilliams – legendary tennis
pro – has joined the team as the newest owner of the Toronto Tempo. pic.twitter.com/kRPYNvdoya
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) March 3, 2025

Also Read:

Toronto Tempo will make WNBA debut in 2026

The WNBA will expand to 15 teams as two new teams will join the league in 2026. The Portland Thorns and Toronto Tempo are the new WNBA franchises. Serena Williams is glad to be part of the ownership group.

“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.”

serena williams on caitlin clark #WNBA pic.twitter.com/lA2cCyicYo
— slugbug🇧🇷 (@mrgummybear3000) June 14, 2024

The 23-time Grand Slam winner has also invested in TGL golf, owned by Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. Serena earlier invested in the National Women’s Soccer League team Angel City FC.

It will not be the first time a Canadian franchise has joined a US league but the two nations are expressing political tensions through sport at the moment, often booing each other’s anthems after US President Donald Trump said he wanted to make the country the 51st state of America.

“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model and a force for change in the world,” Tanenbaum said. “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 stands for – we couldn’t be more honoured to have Serena in our court.”

Serena Williams

Toronto Tempo

WNBA

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.