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Tennis legend Serena Williams has become the newest owner of the Toronto Tempo, Canada’s first Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise. She joins the ownership group alongside Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, ahead of the team’s debut in 2026.
Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, has a long history with Canada, having made her professional tennis debut in the country in 1995. She will play an active role in the franchise’s visual identity, contributing to jersey designs and merchandise collaborations.
Teresa Resch, President of Tempo Basketball Club, described Serena Williams as a champion, calling her the greatest athlete of all time and emphasising that her impact on the team and the country will be incredible. Teresa also highlighted Serena’s role in setting the bar for women in sports, business, and beyond, praising her commitment to creating opportunities for other women as truly inspiring.
Larry Tanenbaum echoed this sentiment, emphasising Serena Williams’ leadership and resilience.
“Serena Williams is an icon, a role model, and a force for change in the world. She exemplifies the very best of what the Tempo stands for. We couldn’t be more honoured to have Serena in our court.”
The Toronto Tempo will be the 14th team in the league, competing in the Eastern Conference. Home games will be at Coca-Cola Coliseum, and regular-season games will be hosted across Canada. Sephora Canada has been announced as the team’s first founding partner. The franchise is owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum, the Chairperson of the NBA Board of Governors and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
The Tempo joins two other WNBA expansion teams: the Golden State Valkyries, which will debut in 2025, and a Portland franchise launching in 2026. These additions mark the WNBA’s largest growth in nearly two decades, driven by record attendance, rising viewership, and increased investment in women’s sports.
