Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has made history by becoming the first African female to be involved in Major League Soccer (MLS) ownership.
The Lagos-born artist has joined San Diego FC’s ownership group as a Club Partner through her company, The Leading Vibe.
San Diego FC announced the partnership on Wednesday, highlighting Tems’ cultural influence and commitment to community empowerment.
The club, which is preparing for its debut MLS season in 2025, believes her involvement will strengthen its global outreach.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” said SDFC Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour. “Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the Right to Dream organization.”
San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn echoed these sentiments, noting that Tems’ passion for uplifting young talent aligns with the club’s values.
“Her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent domestically and globally reflects the core values of Right to Dream. We also look forward to creating meaningful connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.”
Tems, known for her soulful sound and global hits, has won two Grammy Awards, including Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” and for her collaboration on Future’s hit “Wait for U.” She also earned an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for co-writing “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
“I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and 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.”
Tems joins a distinguished ownership group that includes actress Issa Rae, former World Cup winner Juan Mata, ex-U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and San Diego Padres star Manny Machado.
Her involvement comes in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that previously invested in NBA Africa.
As part of this collaboration, Tunde Folawiyo and Kwamena Afful of Pave Investments will also join the club’s ownership group.
San Diego FC, backed by the Right to Dream Academy, aims to create a development-focused club that nurtures young talent from diverse backgrounds.
With Tems on board, the club hopes to bridge the gap between music, culture, and football, amplifying its mission to inspire and empower communities worldwide.
