Tems Makes History As The First Female Owner Of An MLS Club In Africa With Her Latest Partnership

Singer Tems has formally become a co-owner of the top-tier MLS team San Diego FC following her recent business partnership.

According to official reports, Grammy award-winning singer and performer Tems has been confirmed to have joined the ownership group of San Diego FC, a prominent club in the Major League Soccer league.

The Leading Vibe, Tems’ company, has partnered with San Diego Football Club as an ownership group member and club partner, with the affiliation announced on February 12, 2025.

She now becomes the first African female to be a part of an MLS ownership group.

In a press release, the Nigerian singer-songwriter-producer expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and be part of a club that values creativity, culture, and community empowerment.” Building something special in San Diego, a city renowned for its diversity and innovative spirit, brings people together in a unique way that football embodies.

Billboard reports that Tems has teamed up with Pave Investments, a private African investment firm that was instrumental in guiding a group of strategic investors into NBA Africa in 2021. As part of this partnership, Tunde Folawiyo, chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, the firm’s founding director, will also become part of the ownership structure of San Diego FC.

San Diego FC views Tems as a cultural icon whose impact resonates with the club’s objective to bring people together through football, as stated in the recent announcement.

Her participation, along with those of other new investors, will aid in the advancement of the objectives of Right to Dream Academy, a youth football development initiative, and also reinforce San Diego FC’s commitment to empowering communities in both on-field and off-field settings.

The CEO of San Diego FC, Tom Penn, expressed admiration for Tems, labelling her an extraordinary artist with a substantial impact on global culture.

He also highlighted that “Her enthusiasm for helping the next generation fits in with our objectives, and her dedication to providing opportunities for young people in their own countries and worldwide mirrors the fundamental principles of Right to Dream.”

Penn also emphasized the club’s intentions to fortify connections between the football and music sectors, leveraging culture and sport as a means of fostering community unity.