Tennis Icon Joins Toronto Tempo Ownership Group
Decorated tennis great Serena Williams has officially joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA’s newest expansion team, set to debut in 2026. This marks a historic milestone for the league as it expands into Canada for the first time, adding its 14th franchise and further strengthening its presence on the global stage. The Tempo, the newest member of the Eastern Conference, will play its home games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, signaling a broader shift in the league’s long-term vision for growth. For Williams, this move brings her back to a country where she first competed as a 14-year-old rising tennis star. Since then, she has cemented her status as the G.O.A.T. of tennis. Now, she returns to Canada in a new capacity—investing in the future of women’s basketball and helping to shape the WNBA’s next chapter.
WNBA Expansion and the Road Ahead
The addition of the Toronto Tempo is just one piece of a larger movement in the WNBA’s expansion era. Over the past few seasons, the league has seen increased viewership, record-breaking attendance, and rising player salaries, fueled by growing fan engagement and high-profile investments. However, challenges remain—teams are still pushing for improved facilities, better transportation, and greater financial backing to keep pace with the evolving landscape of women’s professional sports. Williams’s ownership comes at a pivotal time, as she brings immense power and influence that could accelerate the WNBA’s growth trajectory. Her involvement could attract new corporate sponsors, increase media coverage, and encourage other high-profile figures to invest in the league, further legitimizing its position within professional sports.
The Future of the WNBA
The league has already announced plans to expand to at least 16 teams in the near future, and Toronto’s addition is a trailblazer for future franchises. With increased interest from potential ownership groups in cities like Philadelphia and the Bay Area, the WNBA is in the midst of a transformational period that could redefine its economic structure, international appeal, and overall visibility. Williams’s leadership sends a powerful message: Women’s basketball isn’t just about the product on the court—it’s about business, investment, and the future of professional sports. This action demonstrates the WNBA’s long-term goals as the league gains traction, from negotiating improved revenue-sharing structures to paving the road for more women to assume top positions in sports ownership and administration.
Women’s Basketball at a Turning Point
Serena Williams’ entry into ownership isn’t just about the Toronto Tempo—it’s about transforming the future of the WNBA. The presence of globally recognized athletes in ownership roles reinforces that the WNBA is not just growing but demanding a greater stake in the sports industry. As the WNBA expands with the Toronto Tempo, the league is also saying goodbye to one of its greatest players, Diana Taurasi. Her 20-year career helped build the foundation for today’s game, and now, Serena Williams is helping secure its future. Just as Taurasi elevated the WNBA on the court, Williams’s investment ensures the league continues to grow beyond it. With the Toronto Tempo set to take the court in 2026, the WNBA is not just expanding geographically—it’s evolving into a more powerful and influential league with an eye toward the future.
