Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has made history by becoming a part-owner of Major League Soccer (MLS) club San Diego FC. The Afrobeats star joins the club’s ownership through her company, The Leading Vibe, marking a significant milestone as the first African female to hold stakes in an MLS team.
Tems, a two-time Grammy winner and Oscar nominee, now stands alongside other high-profile investors in the club, including Spanish World Cup champion Juan Mata and entertainment mogul Issa Rae. Her entry into the football world reflects the growing intersection between music, sports, and cultural influence.
Expressing her excitement about the new venture, Tems emphasized her belief in football as a unifying force and praised San Diego FC’s commitment to 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,” 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.”
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Her investment is backed by Pave Investments, an African private investment firm known for its previous involvement in NBA Africa. Tunde Folawiyo, chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, a founding director, are also part of the ownership group.
San Diego FC has positioned itself as a club that values global representation and youth development. The team’s leadership, including CEO Tom Penn, sees Tems as a major cultural and artistic force whose influence will help shape the club’s future.
“Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide. We are honored to have her join our club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC,” Penn stated. “Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission, and her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent domestically and globally reflects the core values of Right to Dream.”
The Right to Dream Academy, a youth football initiative, will also benefit from the club’s diverse ownership, as investors look to expand opportunities for young players both in the U.S. and internationally.
With this groundbreaking move, Tems not only extends her influence beyond music but also paves the way for African women in global sports ownership. Her presence at San Diego FC is expected to inspire a new wave of investment in football from creative industries worldwide.
