Nigerian singer Tems has made history as the first African woman to own a Major League Soccer (MLS) club. Tems has partnered with San Diego FC, a new MLS team set to make its debut in the 2025 season. The announcement marks a significant moment for women in sports ownership.

In a statement, Tems expressed a long-time love for soccer and how she believes both music and sports share a unique ability to uplift and empower the next generation. “I’ve always loved soccer. I’ve always been a fan of sports,” she said. “Music and sports, they’re kind of similar in the way that they give opportunities to the young talents and the young generations coming up.”

For Tems, this milestone is not just about breaking records, it’s about using her influence to create opportunities for those who may not otherwise have access. San Diego FC’s Right to Dream initiative is central to their vision of creating lasting, positive change. Tems’ involvement with the MLS club aligns with San Diego FC’s commitment to expanding this initiative. The team plans to leverage its global ownership group’s connections to further promote and develop the program. This collaboration could provide the next generation of young athletes with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, both on and off the field.

Her commitment to the development of youth through soccer parallels her work in music, where she has consistently used her platform to highlight important social causes and advocate for African voices in global conversations. She is participating in the ownership group alongside other notable figures, including actress Issa Rae.