Nigerian music icon Temilade Openiyi, globally celebrated as Tems, has expanded her influence beyond the music industry by securing an ownership stake in San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club based in the United States.
The announcement, made by the club on 12 February 2025, positions Tems as the first African woman to join the ownership group of an MLS team, marking a groundbreaking moment in sports and cultural representation .
San Diego FC revealed that Tems’ involvement comes through her company, The Leading Vibe, alongside a strategic partnership with Pave Investments—a prominent African private investment firm known for its role in NBA Africa’s 2021 investor consortium .
This collaboration underscores a shared vision to bridge cultural and sporting landscapes while amplifying opportunities for youth development through initiatives like the Right to Dream Academy, a football-focused talent incubator with roots in sub-Saharan Africa .
In her statement, Tems emphasised football’s unifying power, noting, “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.”
She added, *“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” .
Her remarks align with the club’s mission to foster global connections through sport, a sentiment echoed by San Diego FC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour, who highlighted her ability to “reach new audiences” and elevate the club’s profile .
Global Impact
Tems’ entry into sports ownership reflects her broader commitment to empowering young talent.
As a two-time Grammy winner and Oscar-nominated artist—recognised for hits like *“Love Me JeJe”* and her contribution to the *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever* soundtrack – she brings a creative ethos to San Diego FC’s leadership . CEO Tom Penn praised her as an “extraordinary artist and cultural force,” stressing how her passion for youth empowerment dovetails with the club’s objectives .
The ownership group also features notable figures such as World Cup-winning footballer Juan Mata, actress Issa Rae, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and baseball star Manny Machado, creating a diverse coalition aimed at driving community engagement and sporting excellence .
Their collective expertise will support San Diego FC’s debut season in MLS, set to kick off in February 2025 with a match against LA Galaxy, followed by a home opener at Snapdragon Stadium in March .
Founded in May 2023, San Diego FC represents a fresh addition to MLS, with ambitions to leverage its ownership’s global influence.
The club’s partnership with Pave Investments further strengthens ties to African markets, aligning with its foundational connection to the Right to Dream Academy—a system dedicated to nurturing young athletes and fostering socio-economic mobility .
Tems’ historic role not only elevates her profile as a cultural trailblazer but also signals MLS’s growing appeal to international investors and creatives.
By merging music, sport, and community advocacy, San Diego FC aims to redefine what a modern football club can achieve—both on and off the pitch.