Nigerian Afrobeats sensation and two-time Grammy Award winner, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history as the first African woman to hold an ownership stake in a U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) team. Through her company, The Leading Vibe, Tems has become a partner of San Diego FC (SDFC), a California-based club currently competing in the MLS Western Conference. This milestone places her among an elite group of influential partners shaping the future of the franchise.
San Diego FC Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansor, praised Tems’ involvement, emphasizing her ability to bridge sports and culture while expanding the club’s global reach. He noted that her inclusion aligns with the club’s deep-rooted connections to sub-Saharan Africa through the Right to Dream organization, which nurtures young football talents. SDFC CEO Tom Penn echoed these sentiments, stating that the artist’s visionary perspective will be instrumental in furthering the club’s mission of community engagement and youth empowerment.
Expressing her excitement, Tems highlighted the similarities between music and sports, both serving as platforms for nurturing young talents and fostering inspiration. “I’ve always been a fan of sports, and to be very honest, music and sports are kind of similar in the way they create opportunities for younger generations,” she shared via social media. This collaboration underscores her commitment to uplifting young talents beyond the music industry.
With this move, Tems joins a star-studded list of San Diego FC partners, including Hollywood trailblazer Issa Rae, World Cup-winning footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and San Diego Padres’ baseball icon Manny Machado. Their collective influence aims to strengthen the club’s global appeal while fostering deeper community connections.
This groundbreaking partnership not only cements Tems’ legacy beyond music but also signals a new era of African representation in global sports ownership. As she steps into the world of football, her presence in San Diego FC’s leadership marks a significant stride for African women in the business of sports, inspiring generations to come.
