Ball Knows Ball: Serena Williams Joins WNBA As Member of Toronto Ownership
Monday, March 3, 2025 at 11:44AM By Barry Janoff
March 3, 2025: Serena Williams is putting the “W” in the WNBA.
Williams, who won 23 Grand Slam tennis titles before retiring, is now looking to win her first WNBA title.
Williams today was unveiled as part of the ownership group for the expansion Toronto Tempo, scheduled to begin play in the Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2026 as the league’s 14th franchise.
Financial arrangements were not shared.
"I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” Williams said via the team.
"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 (team owner Tanenbaum) and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy."
According to the team, Williams will not be a silent partner.
“As part of her ownership role, Williams will contribute to bringing the Tempo to life visually. She'll play an active role in future jersey designs and will help forge unique merchandise collaborations with the team.”
A promo spot, "Serena Williams: Meet The Tempo’s Newest Owner," shows Williams on a tennis court bouncing a tennis ball and then a WNBA ball. “New Court. New Game.”
Williams made her professional debut at the age of 14 in Canada in October 1995 at the Bell Challenge, Quebec.
She is also part of the ownership group for NWSL's Angel City FC.
This past May, the WNBA said it had expanded to Canada by awarding Toronto an expansion team, the league’s first outside the U.S.
The franchise is owned and operated by Kilmer Sports Ventures.
Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, is also chairman of the NBA Board of Governors and Chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, MLS’ Toronto FC and other professional sports franchises.
"Serena Williams is an icon, a role model and a force for change in the world" said Tanenbaum via the team.
“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 honored to have Serena in our court."
In addition to Coca-Cola Coliseum, the Tempo plan to host regular-season games across Canada. 
"Serena is a champion," Teresa Resch, Tempo president, said via the team. "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."
In February, Monica Wright Rogers, a former collegiate and pro athlete and veteran basketball executive, was named the first GM of the Tempo.
Rogers was selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2010 WNBA Draft. She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team that year and won two WNBA championships with the Lynx in 2011 and 2013.
The WNBA’s 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries, was unveiled this past October under the auspices of Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, co-executive chairmen for the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. and is scheduled to begin play in 2025 in the Chase Center, home to the Warriors.
Border Crossing: Toronto Named WNBA’s 14th Team, To Begin In 2026
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