Nigerian music star and two-time Grammy award winner, Tems, has become an owner of Major League Soccer side, San Diego FC, through her company, The Leading Vibe, joining the likes of David Beckham and Lionel Messi to own a club in the United States.
The addition of Tems to the MLS club’s ownership group makes the singer and producer the first African woman to become involved in MLS ownership.
San Diego’s new Partner joins48 hours after Hollywood actress and producer, Issa Rae, joined the ownership group as well. Together, they join a group of Club Partners that includes former Spain, Chelsea, and Manchester United star, Juan Mata.
“I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a Club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” Tems said. “Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.”
In addition to Tems, Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, Founding Director of Pave Investments, will also join the San Diego FC ownership group.
Tems is joining San Diego FC in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that was recently involved in leading an investment group to invest in NBA Africa’s entity in 2021.