In a remarkable intersection of music and sports, Nigerian artist Tems, renowned for her Grammy-winning contributions and Oscar nomination, has joined the ownership group of San Diego FC (SDFC). This game-changing affiliation not only makes her the first African woman to partially own a professional football team in the United States but also highlights the increasing presence of African women within the realms of global sports leadership. As SDFC gears up for its expansion into Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2025, Tems’ partnership is seen as more than just an investment; it symbolizes a cultural shift that emphasizes creativity, community, and the beautiful game.
Tems expressed her enthusiasm via Instagram, demonstrating her deep-seated passion for football—a sport she has cherished since childhood. Her connection to the game is not a newfound interest but rather a lifelong embrace that has evolved from watching her brother play. As she articulates, “Football unites people in a powerful way,” a sentiment that resonates with many across different cultures and backgrounds. Her intention to foster a connection between football and music exemplifies her dedication to developing not only a team but a community rooted in shared passion and collaboration.
Beyond her role as a club owner, Tems is also committed to nurturing young talent through her partnership with the Right to Dream organization. This initiative highlights a significant trend among African female club owners who recognize the importance of mentorship and development within the sporting framework. By aligning her efforts with this academy, Tems underlines a commitment to bridge the worlds of music and sports, thereby creating opportunities for aspiring athletes and artists alike.
The initiative signals a broader narrative whereby successful African women leverage their influence and resources to invest in the next generation. Tems, through her partnership, aims to create an environment where young talents can flourish, mirroring the unique opportunities she has pursued in her entrepreneurial musical journey.
Tems is not alone in this rising wave of African female ownership in football. She follows in the footsteps of Akosua Puni Essien, the first African woman to own a foreign club, having acquired Italian third division team Como in 2017. Essien’s journey into club ownership was marked by resilience; she triumphantly purchased the financially troubled club at auction. Her Investment was not merely financial; it was groundbreaking, as it shifted the narrative surrounding female ownership in European football.
Similarly, Eniola Aluko, a former England women’s player and a leading proponent of women’s football, acquired a salient stake in FC Como’s women’s team. Aluko’s participation in Mercury 13 is significant, as it represents a substantial financial commitment towards women’s football and aims to change the landscape of the game for forthcoming generations. Her vision for women’s football closely aligns with a new era that promotes equality, visibility, and investment.
In 2020, Nneka Ede joined the ranks of impactful African women in football by acquiring Lusitano Ginasio Club Futebol SAD in Portugal. Ede’s story is one of bridging cultures; as the first diaspora player to try out for Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, her investment demonstrates the potential for collaboration between nations through football. Moreover, her commitment to developing pathways for young athletes underscores a shared goal of current African female owners to nurture home-grown talent.
The growing involvement of African women in football ownership is paving the way for cultural breakthroughs within the sport. These trailblazers not only challenge gender norms but also instill a sense of pride and representation for women in sports. Their investments embody a commitment to creating diverse and inclusive environments that promote equitable opportunities for all.
As Tems, Essien, Aluko, and Ede sail ahead in their ownership journeys, they fortify a narrative of empowerment and determination. Each of these women strengthens the ties between football and wider cultural representations, showcasing how sports can serve as a medium for social change and community development.
With Tems’ entry into San Diego FC, the narrative surrounding African women in sports ownership is evolving. These women are poised to reshape the landscape of football not just as players but as strategic leaders and visionaries. Their collective efforts to invest in the future of the game highlight the significance of cultural representation and underscore the power of sport as a platform for change.