REPORT: Tennis Legend Serena Williams Joins Ownership of Major WNBA Franchise

Serena Williams Joins Ownership of Canada's First WNBA Team

Tennis legend Serena Williams has become the latest big-named former athlete to join the sports team ownership industry.

On Monday, the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo announced that Serena Williams has joined the ownership group as a new stakeholder. Further details, including the price and how much of the team she owns, aren’t clear.

The Tempo, who will begin play in the 2026 WNBA season, dropped this 15-second video to announce the big news:

Serena Williams shared the following statement about joining the Tempo’s ownership group:

“I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo. 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.”

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The Tempo’s primary owner is Larry Tanenbaum through his Kilmer Sports Ventures company. Tanenbaum is also the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, owners of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC of MLS and the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts.

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The WNBA currently has 13 teams, with the Tempo and the Portland WNBA team set to join in 2026. The Tempo will play their games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, also home to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies (the Maple Leafs’ minor league affiliate) and Toronto Sceptres of the PWHL.

Now 43, Serena Williams retired from tennis in 2022 after an illustrious career that saw her win 23 major singles tournaments. That included seven Wimbledon titles and four Australian Open victories.

Serena Williams Joins List Of Celebrity WNBA Team Owners

Serena Williams pumping a fist
Serena Williams (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

As the WNBA enjoys a surge in popularity, the amount of celebrities to purchase minority stakes in teams has also increased.

Legendary NFL quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady became part owner of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces (owned by Mark Davis) before purchasing a minority stake in the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

Basketball Hall of Famers Dwyane Wade (Chicago Sky) and Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Sparks) also hold ownership stakes in WNBA franchises.