Tems becomes first African female involved in MLS club ownership

Temilade Openiyi, Nigerian singer popularly known as Tems, has joined the ownership group of San Diego FC in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the US.

The American club announced the inclusion of the two-time Grammy award winner to its executives in a statement on Wednesday.

Tems acquired a stake in the club through The Leading Vibe, her company. The deal was also brokered through a partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that worked on driving investors for NBA Africa.

According to San Diego FC, the singer has become a club partner and shares a “commitment to excellence and community engagement”.

Tems, born in Lagos, described football as “a unique way of bringing people together,” adding that she looks forward “to help build something special in San Diego”.

“I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a Club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” the singer said.

“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”

Tems also becomes the first African female to be involved in MLS ownership.

Juan Mata, a former Chelsea player; Issa Rae, an American actress; and Jocko Willink, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, are other San Diego FC ownership group members.

San Diego FC was founded in May 2023. The club will play its first season in the MLS 2025 campaign. 

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