Nigerian music sensation Tems has made headlines by becoming a part-owner of San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in the United States.
Nigerian music sensation Tems has made headlines by becoming a part-owner of San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in the United States. She made this historic move through her company, The Leading Vibe.
With this acquisition, Tems becomes the first African woman to own a stake in an MLS club.
The Lagos-born singer, songwriter, and producer has already made waves in the music industry, earning two Grammy Awards and an Oscar nomination. Now, she’s stepping into the world of sports ownership alongside renowned figures such as former football star Juan Mata and entertainment mogul Issa Rae.
Expressing her excitement, Tems shared that she is thrilled to be part of a club that embraces creativity, culture, and community. She believes football unites people and looks forward to contributing to San Diego’s dynamic and diverse sports scene.
Her involvement is in collaboration with Pave Investments, an African firm that also played a key role in NBA Africa’s expansion in 2021. Pave’s chairman, Tunde Folawiyo, and founding director, Kwamena Afful, are also among the club’s investors.
San Diego FC’s CEO, Tom Penn, warmly welcomed Tems to the ownership team, praising her as a cultural influencer and a powerful force for youth empowerment. He highlighted that her dedication aligns perfectly with the club’s mission, particularly its support for the Right to Dream Academy, which nurtures young footb
all talent.
