Serena Williams Joins Toronto Tempo Ownership Group as WNBA Team Prepares for 2026 Debut

Image credits: Toronto Tempo handout

The Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's first Canadian franchise, announced that tennis legend Serena Williams has joined the team's ownership group, marking a significant milestone for the team as it prepares for its debut in 2026. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, will partner with Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, to bring her leadership and expertise to the team. The move is seen as a major boost for the team, which is set to begin play at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2026, with some home games expected to be played in Vancouver and Montreal.

Williams, who made her professional tennis debut in Canada in 1995, has a long history of success in the sports world, and her involvement with the Toronto Tempo is expected to bring a new level of excitement and energy to the team. As part of her ownership role, Williams will play an active role in future jersey designs and will help forge unique merchandise collaborations with the team. The team's president, Teresa Resch, praised Williams as a "champion" and a "role model" who will have a significant impact on the team and the country.

The Toronto Tempo's ownership group is led by Larry Tanenbaum, who is also the chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures. The team has also named Monica Wright Rogers as its general manager, who has spoken about the historically great free-agent class set to hit the market next off-season. With Williams on board, the team is expected to be a major player in the free-agent market, and her involvement is seen as a key factor in attracting top talent to the team. The team's schedule for the 2026 season is expected to be announced soon, with ticket deposits set to be converted to season seats during the summer.

The WNBA's expansion into Canada is seen as a significant milestone for the league, and the Toronto Tempo is expected to be a major player in the league. The team's ownership group is committed to creating a winning culture and to showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes. With Williams on board, the team is expected to be a major force in the league, and her involvement is seen as a key factor in the team's success. The team's roster for the 2026 season is expected to be announced soon, with a number of key players set to be signed in the coming months.

Some of the key facts about the Toronto Tempo include:

• The team is set to debut in the 2026 season
• The team will play its home games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum
• Serena Williams has joined the team's ownership group
• The team has named Monica Wright Rogers as its general manager
• The team's schedule for the 2026 season is expected to be announced soon