Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer and producer known by her stage name Tems, has become the first African female to join San Diego Football Club ownership.
As the team is set to make its Major League Soccer debut in 2025, the 29-year-old, two-time Grammy Award winner and Oscar nominee becomes the fifth high-profile name in San Diego’s ownership group.
She joins actor and producer Issa Rae, footballer Juan Mata, MLB All-Star Manny Machado, and retired Navy SEAL Jocko Willink on the list.
The club announced on Wednesday, February 12, that Tems, through her company The Leading Vibe, is now its partner.
During the announcement, Tom Penn, CEO of San Diego FC, welcomed Tems to the team by saying,
“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.
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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.“
“We also look forward to creating meaningful connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.”
The Nigerian star expressed her excitement about joining San Diego FC, highlighting the club’s celebration of creativity, culture, and community.
Tems stated:
“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.”
“Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
This wouldn’t be the first time Tems has ventured into the sporting industry.
In 2021 she partnered with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm known for its involvement in NBA Africa’s strategic investment group.
