Tems will be joining the ownership group of San Diego FC as a club partner, it’s been announced today (February 13).
The Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter and producer will be the latest addition to the club’s ownership group through her company The Leading Vibe.
Tems said of the move: “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.
“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 a post on Instagram, the Nigerian star added: “Hey San Diego, it’s Tems, and I’m so excited to be a part of SDFC. I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and community. Football unites people in a powerful way, and I’m eager to help build something special in San Diego,” she wrote.
She continued: “I have always loved football. Growing up, I watched my brother play with his friends, and I was always intrigued.”
From Lagos to San Diego…
GRAMMY Award-Winning, Oscar Nominated Nigerian singer-songwriter @temsbaby joins San Diego FC ownership group as a club partner.
Tems becomes the FIRST African female to be involved in MLS ownership.
Read
— San Diego FC (@sandiegofc) February 12, 2025
Other investors alongside Tems include actress and producer Issa Rae, former Spanish footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and Major League Baseball star Manny Machado.
Tems has also shared how she is committed to developing young football talents through partnering with Right to Dream Academy, an initiative that works with young people to develop and mentor future football stars.
“Music and sports are similar in the way they open doors for young talents and the next generation,” she added. “This is why I’m proud to be part of this project, especially with Right to Dream Academy, in helping to grow and develop future stars,” she further explained.
Right to Dream is described in a press release as a “global football community of world-class academies, clubs and educational partners” that “provides professional football and education pathways for students.”
San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn said of the move: “Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide. We are honoured to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC.
“Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission, and 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.”
In a five star review of Tems’ debut album last year, NME said: “While renowned for R&B and Afrobeat, here, Tems displays an ability to meld contrasting sounds and tempos, allowing them to flow and interlock – seamlessly echoing notions of freedom.
Tems closes out the record with ‘You In My Face’ and ‘Hold On’ – a one-two punch of finesse. The former assumes a jazzy, melancholic tone, with Spanish guitar licks and bold affirmations of faith. The latter, meanwhile, is a spacey love letter to growth, reminding listeners of the trial by fire one can undergo in order to achieve personal evolution.”
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