Tems Expands Her Empire: From Global Music Star to San Diego FC Co-Owner
Photo Credit: MLSsoccer.com
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has expanded her influence beyond the music industry, joining the ownership group of San Diego FC. This makes Tems one of the first African-born women to invest in a Major League Soccer (MLS) team. The newly announced expansion team will officially debut in February 2025, bringing top-tier soccer to San Diego, California.
Best known for her soulful voice and global hits like Essence and Free Mind, Tems is no stranger to breaking boundaries. Now she’s stepping into the sports world, adding another dimension to her already impressive career. Her involvement in San Diego FC is more than just business; it’s about culture, community, and innovation.
In a statement, Tems expressed her excitement:
“Football has always had the power to unite people. I am thrilled to be part of San Diego FC’s ownership group—a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and community.”
What is San Diego FC?
San Diego FC is the newest expansion team in Major League Soccer. Based in the diverse and vibrant city of San Diego, the club is set to kick off its inaugural season on February 23, 2025, with a highly anticipated match against defending MLS champions, the LA Galaxy. The team aims to be a unifying force in the city, representing its multicultural community and passion for soccer.
Tems joins a powerhouse ownership group that includes Issa Rae, actress and producer of Insecure, Juan Mata, a World Cup-winning Spanish footballer, Manny Machado, San Diego Padres’ MLB All-Star, and Jocko Willink, retired U.S. Navy SEAL and leadership consultant.
The club’s leadership has emphasized that this diverse group of co-owners brings unique perspectives and creative energy to the team. Together, they aim to inspire the next generation of athletes and entrepreneurs.
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Tems’ partnership with Pave Investments—a private African investment firm with experience in sports ventures—helps position her at the forefront of a growing trend of artists expanding into business. In 2021, Pave Investments led a group that invested in NBA Africa, and now they’re bringing that expertise to San Diego FC.
For Tems, this move isn’t just about diversifying her portfolio; it’s about making meaningful connections between culture, music, and sports. Her involvement reflects a broader shift in how African artists are leveraging their influence to create long-lasting impacts beyond entertainment.
As San Diego FC gears up for its debut, fans can expect Tems’ creative touch to extend beyond the pitch. From music collaborations to community-driven events, her influence is likely to shape the club’s culture in fresh and exciting ways.
For Tems, joining San Diego FC marks the beginning of a new chapter—one where music, business, and sports intersect. As she continues to break barriers and redefine what’s possible for African creatives, Tems is proving that there are no limits to her journey.
