Serena Williams, a titan in the world of tennis, has once again found a way to make headlines, this time off the courts. The journey of this remarkable athlete, from the public tennis courts in Compton, California to her standing as one of the most accomplished tennis players in history, is nothing short of inspirational. Despite concluding her professional playing days in September 2022, Williams has continued to be a beacon of inspiration and advocacy for women’s sports, alongside her husband, Alexis Ohanian, the entrepreneur and co-founder of Reddit.
In a remarkable new development, Serena has joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the latest addition to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). This move sees her joining forces with other renowned athletes like Tom Brady, Magic Johnson, Dwyane Wade, and Renee Montgomery.
Serena’s commitment to supporting women’s sports is not new. She has always emphasized the importance of being present for young girls and ensuring that female athletes never feel unsupported. This belief is evident in her investment portfolio, which includes stakes in Angel City FC, a women’s soccer team, Miami Dolphins, an NFL franchise, and the Los Angeles Golf Club.
Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, shares her passion for women’s sports. He has been spotted donating millions of dollars to Virginia’s women’s basketball program in 2024, and also launched the groundbreaking all-women’s track and field event, Athlos. Ohanian has previously spoken about the silver lining in the underinvestment in women’s sports, noting that it makes them ripe for investment and experimentation.
In response to Serena’s latest venture, Ohanian expressed pride in his wife, noting that she is not only an excellent investor but also a role model for young girls. He further stated that Serena, as a high-integrity owner, would ensure that female athletes continue to be supported and thrive in this new era. His Twitter post encapsulated his admiration perfectly, saying, “@serenawilliams — the Tempo just got an owner who CHAMPIONS women & excellence — made a career being her authentic self — opening doors for a generation & reshaping the sports world around her — the WNBA is lucky to have her.”
The news has also been met with excitement from other stakeholders. Larry Tenenbaum, the Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures and Serena’s partner for the Toronto Tempo, expressed his thrill at having an icon and a role model like Serena on their team. The Tempo’s president, Teresa Resch, also hailed Serena as a champion and the greatest athlete of all time.
Even away from the courts and the boardrooms, Serena continues to captivate. At the star-studded 2025 Oscars event, she stunned attendees with her glamorous look, showcasing her unending love for fashion. She wore a midnight-black, off-shoulder gown paired with a shimmering necklace and an elegant, curly blonde hairstyle.
Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, who also shares an interest in fashion, could not help but express his admiration for her, leaving a heart emoji in the comment section of her Instagram post. This gesture is another testament to the unwavering support and love they share.
This recent development underscores Serena Williams’ enduring commitment to championing women’s sports. Her investment in the Toronto Tempo is not just about basketball; it is, as she puts it, about showcasing the value and potential of female athletes. It is about creating a legacy. Serena’s journey, both on and off the court, continues to inspire millions and transform the sports world.