Afrobeats super star Temilade Openiyi aka Tems has become a part-owner of Major League Soccer, MLS club San Diego FC. She was able to become a part
Afrobeats super star Temilade Openiyi aka Tems has become a part-owner of Major League Soccer, MLS club San Diego FC.
She was able to become a part owner through her company, The Leading Vibe thus making her the first African female to hold ownership stakes in an MLS club.
The Grammy winning singer, songwriter, and producer joins other notable figures in the ownership group, including World Cup winner, Juan Mata and entertainment mogul Issa Rae, who was also recently announced as a club partner.
She expressed her excitement about joining San Diego FC, highlighting the club’s celebration of creativity, culture, and community.
“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.”
Her involvement is in collaboration with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that previously led a strategic group of investors in NBA Africa in 2021.
Tunde Folawiyo, chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, founding director, are also part of the San Diego FC ownership group.
According to SDFC, Tems’ role aligns with the club’s vision of uniting communities through football.
The ownership group aims to leverage its global influence to support Right to Dream Academy, a youth development initiative, and further promote football’s impact on and off the pitch.
With this groundbreaking investment, Tems solidifies her status not just as a global music icon but also as a pioneering figure in sports ownership, bridging the worlds of music, culture, and football.
