Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer and producer Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has made history as the first African female to join the ownership group of Major League Soccer’s San Diego FC.
The club announced on February 12 that Tems, through her company, The Leading Vibe, is now an official partner.
“I’m excited to join San Diego FC’s ownership team and be a part of a club that values creativity, culture, and community,” Tems said in a press release.
“Football has a remarkable ability to unite people, and I look forward to contributing to something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
Tems joins a growing list of notable figures in the club’s ownership, including actress and producer Issa Rae, who was recently named a partner.
In addition, Tems has teamed up with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm with ties to NBA Africa’s strategic investment group, to secure her role with the club. Pave Investments’ chairman, Tunde Folawiyo, and its founding director, Kwamena Afful, are also part of the new ownership group.
Tems’ global cultural influence aligns with San Diego FC’s mission to unite communities through soccer while fostering creativity and empowerment.
The club aims to strengthen its partnership with Right to Dream Academy, a youth-focused football development program, through this expanded ownership.
“Tems is a global cultural icon and an incredible artist,” said Tom Penn, CEO of San Diego FC.
“We’re thrilled to welcome her to our club and benefit from her visionary perspective. Her commitment to empowering young talent both domestically and globally mirrors the core values of Right to Dream, and we’re excited to bridge connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.”
