Tems Joins San Diego FC Ownership Group, Becomes First African Female in MLS Ownership
Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has joined the ownership group of San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club in the United States. The two-time Grammy Award winner was officially welcomed as a new executive member in a statement released by the club on Wednesday.
Tems acquired a stake in the club through her company, The Leading Vibe, in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that has previously been involved with NBA Africa. The singer’s new role makes her a club partner, sharing a commitment to excellence and community engagement, according to San Diego FC.
Born in Lagos, Tems described football as “a unique way of bringing people together” and expressed her excitement to contribute to the development of the club. “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,” Tems 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’ involvement with San Diego FC makes her the first African female to hold an ownership position in MLS.
Other notable figures in the club’s ownership group include former Chelsea player Juan Mata, American actress Issa Rae, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink.
Founded in May 2023, San Diego FC will begin its debut MLS season in 2025.
