Power Moves: The Rise of Black Women in Sports Ownership..
Black women like Serena Williams, Issa Rae, Tems, and Eniola Aluko are breaking barriers and redefining sports ownership, paving the way for more women to lead...
Happy new week!
With International Women’s Day just a few days behind us, I wanted to take a moment to highlight an incredible shift happening in the sports industry, black women stepping into sports ownership. Recently, news broke that Serena Williams has joined the ownership group for the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, set to debut in 2026. Tems and Issa Rae have joined the San Diego FC Ownership Group as Club Partners and Eniola Aluko became a majority stakeholder in FC Como Women. Let’s dive in more into these power moves.
Serena Williams: From the Court to the Boardroom
Serena Williams' legendary status in tennis is unmatched, but her ambitions extend far beyond the court. Her involvement in sports ownership isn’t new—back in 2009, she and her sister Venus became the first Black women to own shares in an NFL team, investing in the Miami Dolphins. She is also a co-owner of Angel City FC, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team that has been instrumental in advocating for higher player salaries and increasing visibility for women’s soccer.
Beyond sports, Williams is a powerful force in media and entertainment. She founded 926 Productions, a multimedia company dedicated to amplifying women and diverse storytellers. Now, she’s expanding her influence even further—this time, in professional basketball. Williams has joined the ownership group for Toronto Tempo, the newest WNBA franchise set to debut in 2026. Her continued investment in women’s sports underscores her belief that they are not just a passion but a valuable and growing business opportunity.
Williams' legacy keeps evolving, and her presence in sports ownership is monumental. From inspiring millions on the tennis court to breaking barriers in the business of sports, she is using her wealth and platform to shape the future of women’s athletics. More than just an investor, she is a trailblazer, ensuring that black women and underrepresented voices have the opportunity to lead, create, and inspire.
Tems: Blending Music & Football in San Diego
Tems, the Nigerian-born, Grammy-winning artist, is best known for her soulful voice and global influence in music. Now, she’s expanding her impact into the world of sports, becoming a part-owner of San Diego FC ahead of the club’s 2025 MLS expansion season. She joins forces with acclaimed actress, producer, and entrepreneur Issa Rae through a partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm.
With this move, Tems became the first African woman to be involved in MLS ownership—an achievement that highlights both her trailblazing spirit and the increasing global reach of African talent. As football or ‘soccer’ rapidly grows in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 World Cup, her involvement comes at a pivotal moment, opening doors for more African investors and leaders in the sport.
What makes this even more significant is Tems' potential to inspire young African footballers. San Diego FC has partnered with the Right to Dream Academy, a programme dedicated to developing young talent, particularly from African and diaspora communities. Seeing a Nigerian woman with global influence take a leadership role in football ownership could encourage more African diaspora youth in San Diego to engage with the club and academy.
Tems is a living example of what it means to be multifaceted—dominating the music industry while stepping into leadership in sports. With her journey in ownership just beginning, it’s exciting to see her making such bold moves. Hopefully, her success paves the way for more African stars to follow in her footsteps.
Eniola Aluko: From Player to Club Owner
Few names are as deeply connected to women's football as Eniola Aluko. A former England international, Aluko became a majority stakeholder in FC Como Women in 2024. This move solidified her place as a trailblazer, not just in playing the game but in shaping its future. Aluko’s career is full of firsts. She played for top clubs like Chelsea, Birmingham City, and Juventus, and later became a pundit on Match of the Day, ITV, and TNT Sports—all spaces historically dominated by men. Now, as a club owner, she’s redefining what leadership in women’s football looks like.
For those of us who have watched women’s football gain recognition over the years, Aluko’s rise is personal. She was one of the first players associated with the WSL, a true pioneer who fought for visibility during a time when women’s football lacked financial support and mainstream attention. Seeing her take control of FC Como Women feels like the natural next step in her impact on the game.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Black Women in Sports Ownership
The rise of black women in sports ownership is a powerful shift in an industry historically dominated by men. Whether it’s Tems leveraging her global music platform, Serena Williams shaping the WNBA’s future, or Eniola Aluko investing in women’s football, these women represent a new wave of leadership in sports.
For young black girls who dream of playing, designing kits, managing teams, or even owning a club, these women prove that it’s possible. Their presence at the highest levels of decision-making is more than symbolic—it’s an active redefinition of who gets to shape sports culture.
More black women breaking into sports ownership, securing major leadership roles, and ensuring the next generation can see themselves reflected in the industry is not just a hope—it’s an inevitable reality. When you see someone who looks like you owning a team, it’s no longer just a dream—it’s achievable.
Have a great week all!