By officially joining the ownership group of San Diego FC (SDFC) through her company The Leading Vibe, Tems has broken new ground; becoming the first African woman to hold a stake in a U.S. Major League Soccer club.
Tems' inclusion comes alongside a roster of influential cultural and sports figures, including actress and producer Issa Rae, world-class footballer Juan Mata, MLB All-Star Manny Machado, and former Navy SEAL turned author and entrepreneur Jocko Willink.
The deal was brokered in partnership with Pave Investments. An African private-investment firm that previously supported wide-scale initiatives like NBA Africa — underscoring the global and cross-continental ambition behind SDFC’s formation.
Photo: Phillip Faraone / Getty Images Entertainment / Getty Images
Tems' framed it as a commitment to culture, community, and opportunity: “Football has a unique way of bringing people together,” she said, expressing excitement to help build something special in San Diego; a city known for its diversity and innovation.
Music icons, global Black creatives, and sports founders are merging worlds, and bringing fresh energy, representation, and African influence to U.S. sports. From Lagos to Cali Tems is making waves.
Tems shared that football has always been a unifying force in her life and culture, and stepping into the sports world is an “honor and a responsibility.” Her involvement signals a major moment for African creatives stepping into global sports leadership, not just endorsement deals.
SDFC, set to make its MLS debut in 2025, has been gaining attention for its community-driven approach and international vision. With Tems and Issa Rae both on board, the club is now positioned as one of the most culturally influential franchises in American soccer.
This move adds yet another dimension to Tems’ global influence from dominating charts to shaping sports ownership. And with African investors and creatives expanding into U.S. sports, her stake in SDFC could inspire a new wave of cross-continental investment and representation.
Tems is not just making music history anymore ..... she’s making sports history, too.
Congratulations Tems on co-ownership of the San Diego FC.
For more of what is happening in the culture tap in to Bulletproof Radio.
Photo Getty Images