“I want to be perfect. I know perfect doesn’t exist, but …., I never wanted to stop until I got it right.” Imagine how big a perfectionist she who believes in this! But the context? As the WNBA’s popularity soars, investors are jumping at the chance to get involved. Players like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum are already part of ownership groups looking to buy a franchise and have bid in excess of $150m, and legends like Candace Parker are joining in too. But it seems they may have missed a trick—one that Serena Williams didn’t! The quote would make sense now, right? Yes, she is the one.

Serena Williams is making another power move in the sports world! Already an investor in the Miami Dolphins, Angel City FC, and Los Angeles Golf Club, the twenty-three-time Grand Slam winner is now set to join the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo– subject to the final league approval.

The tennis legend released a statement expressing her delight in becoming a part owner of the franchise. She said, “I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo,” said Serena Williams. “This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes — I have always said that women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity. I am excited to partner with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”

“Serena is a champion.” “She’s the greatest athlete of all time, and her impact on this team and this country is going to be incredible.” said Toronto Tempo President Teresa Resch. In their official statement, the team revealed that Williams won’t just be an investor! She’ll have a hands-on role!  The superstar who began her career in Canada will help shape the Tempo’s visual identity, have a say in future jersey designs, and even spearhead unique merchandise collaborations.

Serena isn’t the only female athlete looking to invest in the WNBA. As revealed before, Candace Parker is also in the mix, but she’s taking a different route. While Serena joined an existing team, Parker has her sights set on bringing a brand-new franchise to Nashville! Let’s take a look at that!

Candace Parker sets sights on WNBA ownership

It was revealed last month that Candace Parker would be joining the consortium of the Nashville Predators chairman Bill Haslam along with Payton Manning. Their goal? To bring the Tennessee Summit to the WNBA!

Bill Haslam released a statement confirming the news, saying, “We believe a WNBA team, based in Nashville, could serve as a beacon for girls and women, young and old, across Tennessee, while also creating more opportunities for sports fans as our community continues to grow. In building this new franchise, we will take inspiration from the Nashville Predators and its ‘community-first’ approach to running the business.”

Of course they aren’t the only consortium group eyeing a WNBA franchise. The league has received over 10 bids for expansion. But if history is any indication, NBA ownership groups in Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Houston might have the edge, especially since the last three expansion teams, Golden State Valkyries, Toronto Tempo, and Portland’s WNBA team have all gone to NBA owners. But Candace knows partnering up with Bill gives her a chance to own a stake because of Bill’s experience in running a top franchise in the country.

Serena may have cracked the code by joining the ownership group of an already existing team but Candace Parker isn’t far behind! If all goes to plan, she could soon become the next big female athlete to own a stake in a WNBA franchise. Stay tuned for more updates!