The first WNBA team founded outside the United States—the Toronto Tempo—just got a major new investor: none other than tennis legend Serena Williams. Forever an advocate for women in sports, Williams put her money where her mouth is and announced on March 3 that she was becoming a co-owner of the team,

The WNBA’s latest team, the Toronto Tempo, shared in a press release that Serena Williams has joined an ownership group for the organization.

The WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, an expansion franchise that will begin play in 2026, announced Monday that the 23-time grand slam champion is the newest part of the team’s ownership group. She joined an ownership group that is led by Larry Tanenbaum, the chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures.

Before Serena Williams, athletes like Magic Johnson, Dwyane Wade, and Tom Brady were among the sports figures who owned stakes in WNBA teams.

Recently, the former world number 1 announced her entry into the world of the WNBA, as she became a shareholder in the Toronto Tempo's basketball team. "I'm really happy to join the first Canadian team in WNBA history," said Serena.

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

Serena Williams has joined the Toronto Tempo’s ownership group, the WNBA expansion franchise announced Monday. Williams will “play an active role in future jersey designs and will help forge unique merchandise collaborations with the team,” the franchise said. The tennis icon will also “contribute to bringing the Tempo to life visually.”

Serena Williams is joining the Toronto Tempo ownership group. The team announced the move on Monday. She will partner with Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures for the Tempo, who will begin play in the 2026 season.