Tems Makes History as First African Female to Join MLS Ownership Group

Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer Tems has officially joined the ownership group of San Diego FC, making her the first African female to be part of an MLS ownership group.

The club announced the partnership on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, stating that Tems, through her company *The Leading Vibe*, has joined the club as a partner.

Expressing her excitement, Tems said:
“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.”

According to Billboard, Tems is partnering with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that previously led a strategic investment group into NBA Africa in 2021.

As part of this partnership, Tunde Folawiyo (Pave Investments’ chairman) and Kwamena Afful (the firm’s founding director) will also be joining San Diego FC’s ownership structure.

San Diego FC highlighted Tems as a cultural force whose influence aligns with their mission to unite communities through football.

Club CEO Tom Penn praised her involvement, stating:
“Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission. Her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent, both domestically and globally, reflects the core values of Right to Dream.”

Penn also emphasized the club’s plan to strengthen ties between the *football and music* industries, using culture and sport to bring communities together.

With this move, Tems is not just making history but also paving the way for African creatives to expand their influence beyond music into global sports ownership.