Serena Williams performs onstage throughout Apple Music Tremendous Bowl LIX Halftime Present at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Emilee Chinn/Getty Pictures/AFP
Tennis nice Serena Williams is the latest member of the Toronto Tempo’s possession group, the WNBA enlargement franchise introduced Monday.
“New courtroom, new sport,” the group posted on X together with a 15-second video that options Williams “dribbling” with a tennis ball.
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Williams joins principal proprietor Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Kilmer Sports activities Ventures, whose holdings embody the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto FC of MLS.
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“Serena Williams is an icon, a task mannequin and a power for change on this planet,” Tanenbaum mentioned in a information launch. “She’s earned each little bit of her unbelievable success with exhausting work, tenacity and willpower within the face of numerous challenges. She exemplifies the perfect of what the Tempo stand for — we couldn’t be extra honored to have Serena in our courtroom.”
Williams, 43, received 23 Grand Slam singles titles, one shy of the file held by Margaret Courtroom. She was ranked No. 1 for 319 weeks and earned practically $95 million in prize cash.
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“I’m thrilled to announce my possession position within the first Canadian WNBA group, the Toronto Tempo,” Williams mentioned. “This second isn’t just about basketball; it’s about showcasing the true worth and potential of feminine athletes — I’ve all the time mentioned that ladies’s sports activities are an unbelievable funding alternative. I’m excited to companion with Larry and all of Canada in creating this new WNBA franchise and legacy.”
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Formally introduced because the WNBA’s 14th group in Might 2024, the Tempo are the league’s first group based mostly outdoors of america. They’ll start play in 2026.
The group mentioned Williams’ position will embody “bringing the Tempo to life visually,” together with energetic participation in future jersey designs and forging new merchandise collaborations.
“Serena is a champion,” group president Teresa Resch mentioned. “She’s the best athlete of all time, and her influence on this group and this nation goes to be unbelievable. She’s set the bar for girls in sport, enterprise and the world — and her dedication to utilizing that success to create alternatives for different girls is inspiring — we’re thrilled to be marking the lead-up to Worldwide Girls’s Day with this announcement.”
Williams’ funding within the Tempo continues to be pending closing league approval, the group mentioned.
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