Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, is making waves beyond the music industry. The Lagos-born Grammy-winning artist has officially stepped into the world of sports by becoming a part-owner of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) San Diego FC. With this move, she becomes the first African female to hold ownership in an MLS team—a groundbreaking achievement.
Fresh off her Grammy win for Best African Music Performance with “Love Me Jeje,” Tems is taking her influence to new heights. Her company, The Leading Vibe, partnered with Pave Investments, a prominent African private investment firm known for its work with NBA Africa, to facilitate the acquisition.
Expressing her excitement, Tems shared:
"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."
San Diego FC’s Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour, warmly welcomed her to the team, emphasizing her global influence: "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 Right to Dream organization."
Tems now joins an impressive lineup of partners backing San Diego FC, including actress Issa Rae, former Spanish football star Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and MLB All-Star Manny Machado.
This partnership highlights the growing connection between entertainment and sports, as African artists continue to expand their impact on the global stage. With San Diego FC set to make its MLS debut this month against reigning champions LA Galaxy, all eyes will be on the team—and its newest co-owner.
For more details, visit San Diego FC's official website.
