Nigerian music star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history by joining San Diego FC (SDFC) as a club partner, becoming the first African female artist to co-own a Major League Soccer (MLS) team in the United States.
Tems joins the ownership group through her company, The Leading Vibe, alongside Pave Investments, an African private investment firm. This groundbreaking move places her among a distinguished lineup of club partners, including Hollywood actress Issa Rae, World Cup winner Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and baseball superstar Manny Machado.
San Diego FC’s Announcement
The club officially announced Tems’ involvement on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, with SDFC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour expressing excitement over her addition to the team’s ownership group.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner. Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organization.”
San Diego FC’s CEO, Tom Penn, also emphasized the alignment between Tems’ vision and the club’s values.
“Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide. We are honored to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC. Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission, and her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent domestically and globally reflects the core values of Right to Dream.”
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Tems on Her Historic Achievement
Reacting to the announcement, Tems expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating that football, like music, has the power to bring people together and create lasting impact.
“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. 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.”
The Right to Dream Connection
San Diego FC is part of the Right to Dream (RTD) Academy, a football development system focused on nurturing young talent, particularly from Africa. With this partnership, Tems’ involvement is expected to create stronger ties between African youth football development and international opportunities.
Pave Investments, co-owned by Tunde Folawiyo and Kwamena Afful, played a significant role in this deal, marking yet another major African investment in global sports. The firm was previously involved in the NBA Africa investment initiative.
Tems’ Influence in Global Sports and Culture
Tems, who rose to international fame with hits like “Essence” and “Free Mind,” continues to expand her influence beyond music. Recently spotted courtside at a Knicks vs. Celtics game in New York, the Nigerian artist is solidifying her presence in the global sports and entertainment space.
By joining San Diego FC, she will follow in the footsteps of other music icons, such as Jay-Z and LeBron James, who have leveraged their platforms to invest strategically in sports franchises.
A New Era for African Women in Sports Ownership
Tems’ groundbreaking move is a personal achievement and a significant milestone for African women in global sports ownership. While African players have long been part of the global football scene, female representation in club ownership has been rare.
Her investment in San Diego FC sets a powerful precedent, inspiring other African creatives and entrepreneurs to explore ownership roles in major sports organizations.
With this historic move, Tems is making waves in the music industry and paving the way for African representation in global football governance.
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What’s Next for Tems and San Diego FC?
As San Diego FC prepares for its inaugural MLS season in 2025, all eyes will be on the club’s development, including its impact on African football talent and cultural exchange.
With Tems as a key stakeholder, fans can expect exciting collaborations between music, culture, and sports, further solidifying her legacy as a global entertainment and business trailblazer.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter—not just for Tems but also for African influence in the world of football.