Grammy award-winning singer Tems has officially joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer (MLS) club San Diego FC, making history as the first African female to own a stake in an MLS team.
San Diego FC confirmed the news on February 12, 2025, announcing that Tems joined the club’s ownership through her company, The Leading Vibe. In her statement, the Nigerian singer-songwriter expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing her passion for football and community building.
Tems joins San Diego FC Ownership Group as a Club partner, through her company The Leading Vibe. pic.twitter.com/hR7pGDfQEV
— T.U.E (@TheUpperEnt) February 12, 2025
“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 excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation,” she shared.
According to Billboard, Tems’ investment is in collaboration with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm known for leading strategic investments in NBA Africa. As part of the deal, Pave Investments’ chairman, Tunde Folawiyo, and founding director, Kwamena Afful, will also join the club’s ownership structure.
San Diego FC sees Tems as a cultural icon whose global influence aligns with the club’s mission of uniting communities through football. Her involvement will also support the Right to Dream Academy, a youth football development initiative, and further the club’s commitment to empowering communities on and off the field.
San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn praised Tems’ addition, calling her “an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide.” He highlighted how her dedication to creating opportunities for young talent aligns with the club’s values, adding that San Diego FC aims to strengthen ties between football and music to foster community engagement.
With this historic move, Tems not only cements her influence in global entertainment but also makes a bold statement about African representation in sports ownership.
