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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).
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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.”
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.”
