Tems: Grammy-winning Nigerian singer becomes owner of MLS Club San Diego FC

Grammy Award-winning singer Tems has made history as the first African woman to own a football club.

Through her company, The Leading Vibe, she is now a part-owner of San Diego FC (SDFC), a Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion team, in partnership with African private investment firm Pave Investments.

Tems took to Instagram to share her excitement about this milestone, expressing her deep connection to football.

"Hey San Diego, it's Tems, and I'm so excited to be a part of SDFC. I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and community. Football unites people in a powerful way, and I’m eager to help build something special in San Diego," she wrote.

The Nigerian star revealed that her love for football began in childhood when she would watch her brother play.

"I have always loved football. Growing up, I watched my brother play with his friends, and I was always intrigued," she shared.

By joining SDFC’s ownership group, Tems stands alongside other high-profile investors, including actress and producer Issa Rae, former Spanish footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and Major League Baseball star Manny Machado.

Beyond ownership, Tems is committed to nurturing young football talents through a partnership with Right to Dream Academy, an initiative focused on developing future stars. She sees strong parallels between music and sports in providing opportunities for young people.

"Music and sports are similar in the way they open doors for young talents and the next generation. This is why I’m proud to be part of this project, especially with Right to Dream Academy, in helping to grow and develop future stars," she explained.

Tems is eagerly anticipating the new football season, with San Diego FC’s first match set to take place at Snapdragon Stadium on 1st March 2025.

"I can’t wait for the season to start! I’ll see you at Snapdragon Stadium on March 1st," she announced cheerfully.

Her latest business venture places her in the company of other celebrities who have invested in sports, such as actor Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney (Wrexham AFC), NBA icon LeBron James (Liverpool FC), and tennis legend Serena Williams (Angel City FC).

This comes at a time when Tems is riding high on career success, recently winning her second Grammy for Love Me JeJe and previously securing a Grammy for her feature on Future’s Wait for U.

She was also an Academy Award nominee for co-writing Lift Me Up, performed by Rihanna for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

With her influence now extending from music to sports, Tems continues to break barriers and inspire generations.