Nigerian born singer Tems, real name Temilade Openiyi has become the first African female to be involved in Major League Soccer (MLS) ownership. Through her company, The Leading Vibe, she joins San Diego Football Club's ownership group as a club partner.

A BIG DEAL

The club made the announcement stating that she is the first African female to be involved in MLS ownership, a club founded in 2023 as an expansion team. Tems shared her excitement, saying that she is 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,' the Grammy winner said in the statement. In the week, San Diego also announced that US actress Issa Rae has also joined the ownership group. "Soccer is a universal language that has the power to bring people together,' Issa said. "I look forward to contributing to San Diego FC's journey as we make history in MLS.'

OWNERSHIP

San Diego FC is owned by British-Egyptian businessman and politician, Mohamed Mansour. Other African partners include Ghana-based entrepreneur and co-founder and director of Pave Investments, Kwamena Afful. Nigerian investor Mr. Tunde Folawiyo