Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has become a part-owner of San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club in the United States. The club announced the inclusion of the two-time Grammy Award winner in a statement on Wednesday, February 13.
Tems acquired a stake in the club through her company, The Leading Vibe, in a deal facilitated by Pave Investments, an African private investment firm known for its work with NBA Africa. With this move, she becomes the first African female to be involved in MLS ownership.
San Diego FC highlighted that Tems will serve as a club partner, contributing to its vision of excellence and community engagement.
Expressing her excitement about the partnership, Tems described football as a powerful tool for uniting people. “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,” she 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 joins a high-profile ownership group that includes former Chelsea player Juan Mata, American actress Issa Rae, and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink.