TEMS JOINS SAN DIEGO FC AS CO-OWNER: A HISTORIC MOVE FOR MUSIC AND SPORTS

Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, has once again proven that her influence extends far beyond the music industry. The Grammy-winning artist has officially joined the ownership group of San Diego Football Club (SDFC), a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise set to make its league debut in 2025. This move makes Tems the first African female to become a co-owner of an MLS club, marking a significant milestone in both sports and entertainment.

Tems’ involvement with SDFC comes through her company, The Leading Vibe, which has positioned itself at the intersection of music, culture, and community development. By joining the club’s ownership group, she aligns herself with a vision that seeks to unite diverse communities through soccer, art, and collective engagement.

In an official statement, Tems expressed her excitement about the venture: “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.”

SDFC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour also welcomed the Nigerian star with open arms, emphasizing her global impact and the value she brings to the team. “Tems’ reach and cultural influence will help us connect with new audiences and build a community that resonates beyond the pitch,” Mansour stated.

San Diego FC was founded in May 2023 and is set to compete in the MLS starting in the 2025 season, with Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, as its home ground. The club has emphasized a mission to bridge sports and culture, making Tems an ideal addition to its ownership group.

Tems joins an elite group of co-owners that includes Hollywood actress Issa Rae, former Spanish footballer and World Cup winner Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and MLB star Manny Machado. This diverse blend of individuals underscores the club’s commitment to fostering a broad, global appeal.

For Tems, the decision to invest in SDFC is a powerful business move as well as a statement. The Nigerian superstar has long championed community empowerment, and through this partnership, she aims to create opportunities for the next generation. She hopes to inspire young talents, particularly in Africa, to see possibilities beyond traditional career paths.

Tems’ involvement in MLS is another testament to the growing impact of African artists in global sports investments. While African footballers have long been associated with club ownership and administration, the entry of musicians into the sports business signals an expansion of influence.

This move places Tems in the league of music moguls who have stepped into sports ownership, including Jay-Z’s involvement with the Brooklyn Nets and J. Cole’s part-ownership of the Basketball Africa League’s Rwanda Patriots. It also strengthens Nigeria’s footprint in international sports, proving that cultural and financial influence from the continent is on the rise.

Tems’ journey has been one of defying expectations, and this latest move underscores her commitment to shaping narratives, whether in music, culture, or now, sports. Certainly, her involvement brings a fresh and inspiring perspective–one that encourages African women to step into uncharted territories and claim their space in industries traditionally dominated by men.

As San Diego FC gears up for its inaugural season in 2025, all eyes will be on the club’s development and how its diverse ownership team will contribute to its success. With Tems’ involvement, it is certain that there’ll be many opportunities for collaborations in entertainment, branding, and even youth development programs. With this historic step, Tems has positioned herself as not just a global music star, but also a cultural and business icon. And as always, the world is watching, eager to see how she will redefine success on yet another stage.