Nigerian Singer Tems gets stake in ownership of MLS Club, San Diego FC

Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer (MLS) side, San Diego FC. 

The American club announced on Wednesday that Tems acquired a stake in the team through her company, The Leading Vibe, in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm known for its work with NBA Africa.

The club said Tems has become a club partner and shares a “commitment to excellence and community engagement”.

Tems, born in Lagos, described football as “a unique way of bringing people together,” adding that she looks forward “to help build something special in San Diego”.

“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,” the singer said.

“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.”

Tems joins other global figures as San Diego club partners. Some of the stars include trailblazing actress Issa Rae, World Cup-winning footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and founding partner and San Diego Padres’ perennial MLB All-Star Manny Machado.