Actress and producer Issa Rae and Grammy Award-winning artist Tems, are the newest owners of an MLS team. This week it was announced the stars have bought ownership stakes in the new MLS expansion team, San Diego FC. This also was a historic moment for Tems, as she becomes the first African-born woman to own a professional sports team.
Tems was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and she loved watching her brother play soccer with his friends growing up. Known for her beautiful voice and for the work she does in Nigeria, Tems will be bringing a lot to the world of soccer as an official club partner, and current ownership believes that as well.
Ownership welcomes Tems, Issa Rae
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a club partner,” said SDFC billionaire Chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour. “Her global influence will help us reach new audiences and strengthen our connection with communities, particularly through our foundations in sub-Saharan Africa with the Right to Dream organization.”
San Diego FC CEO Tom Penn echoed a similar statement emphasizing Tems’ alignment with the club’s mission. “Her passion for empowering young talent and fostering cultural connections perfectly reflects our values. We look forward to bridging the worlds of music and soccer in a meaningful way.”
Issa Rae will be venturing into the sports world for the first time, but she already has her eyes set on making history.
“Soccer is a universal language that has the power to bring people together, and I look forward to contributing to San Diego FC’s journey as we make history in MLS,” Issa Rae said in a statement.
San Diego will kick off its inaugural season on Feb. 23 against the reigning MLS champion LA Galaxy. The Sycuan Tribe, the first Native American tribe to own a professional soccer team, and Mansour are the San Diego club’s main owners. Rae and Tems join a group of club partners that includes former Manchester United and Spain national team player Juan Mata and third baseman Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres. Rae and Tems join San Diego FC in partnership with Pave Investments, a private African firm that led a group that invested in NBA Africa. Pave Chairman Tunde Folawiyo and Founding Director Kwamena Afful are also joining the team ownership group.
