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How Nigerian Star Tems Became a Part-Owner of a US Football Club
Grammy award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is making waves beyond the music industry.
Renowned globally for her soulful voice and chart-topping collaborations with music icons like Drake, Future, and Wizkid, Tems recently expanded her portfolio into the lucrative world of sports ownership.
In a groundbreaking move, Tems announced that she is now a part-owner of a US football club in a groundbreaking move. Tems announced her part-ownership of a United States MLS football club San Diego FC.
This strategic business investment positions her alongside a growing number of entertainers diversifying their wealth into the multi-billion-dollar sports industry.
She becomes not only the first female Nigerian but the first female African to own a stake in a football team in the MLS. San Diego FC was founded in 2023 and competes in the MLS as a member of the Western Conference.
Tems who became a partner with the team through her company The Leading Vibe in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm said she is excited to be part of the fold.
This article dives into Tems’ business move, the financial implications of part-owning a sports team, and how it represents a rising trend of African artists transitioning from entertainment to business moguls.
Who Is Tems? A Brief Overview of the Global Superstar
Tems burst onto the global music scene with her breakout feature on Wizkid’s hit song “Essence,” which topped international charts and gained critical acclaim. Her success led to collaborations with Drake, Future, and Rihanna. She became the first female Nigerian artist to win two Grammy Awards, solidifying her place in music history.
Tems’ journey reflects the increasing global influence of Afrobeats, a genre that has brought African music to the forefront of international entertainment. Beyond her music, Tems is proving to be a savvy businesswoman, leveraging her fame and fortune to secure strategic investments.
The Big Announcement: How Tems Revealed Her Stake in a US Football Club
In January 2025, Tems made headlines when she took to social media to announce her co-ownership of a US-based football team San Diego FC.
The news came via her verified Instagram account, where she shared a picture wearing the club’s jersey alongside key team executives.
Her caption read:
“I am so stoked to announce 🚨 I have officially joined the @sandiegofc ownership group as a Club Partner⚽
I get to be a part of a family that encompasses everything I believe in with the SDFCs @right2dream initiative, which is all about giving young talents the opportunity to shine both on and off the field.
This is more than a club—it’s a movement.
Can’t wait for what’s ahead ✅✨ @mls #SanDiegoFC #RightToDream”
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”.
The announcement quickly trended on social media platforms, with fans and business analysts alike praising her for venturing into the competitive US sports sector.
Tems later elaborated during an interview, emphasizing her desire to diversify her income streams and contribute to the growing intersection between sports, entertainment, and African talent.
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.
Why Sports Ownership Is Big Business
Tems’ decision to invest in a US football team is not merely a celebrity stunt—it’s a calculated business move into a sector with impressive financial potential.
Here’s why investing in a sports franchise is considered a power play:
1. Asset Appreciation
Sports franchises are high-value assets with a history of appreciating over time. According to Forbes, the average value of NFL teams increased by 24% in 2024 alone. While Tems’ team is likely a lower-tier franchise, such investments often experience exponential growth if managed correctly.
2. Revenue Streams
Owning a sports club offers multiple revenue streams, including:
Ticket Sales
Merchandising
Broadcast Rights
Sponsorship Deals
Concessions & Hospitality
Each stream contributes to the overall valuation of the club, providing part-owners like Tems with a robust return on investment.
3. Equity Partnerships
Tems’ role as a part-owner means she likely holds equity in the club. Equity ownership grants her a share of profits while allowing her to increase her stake over time, or liquidate her shares for capital gains if the club’s valuation rises.
4. Brand Synergy
Combining her music brand with sports creates opportunities for cross-promotion. Tems’ concerts at the stadium, jersey branding, or music being used as the team’s anthem can further elevate her visibility and the club’s marketability.
The Business Model Behind Sports Franchise Investments
San Diego FC.
Investing in a sports franchise involves strategic financial planning and due diligence. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the business model Tems is now part of:
a) Equity Financing
Part-owners often pool resources to fund club operations. Tems likely joined an investment group, reducing individual risk while benefiting from collective decision-making.
b) Valuation Growth
Sports franchises rely on increasing their valuation through performance, branding, and market demand. Clubs that perform well or expand their fanbase through media partnerships can significantly appreciate in value.
c) Monetizing Fan Loyalty
Clubs capitalize on fan loyalty by selling merchandise, exclusive memberships, and digital content. Given Tems’ fanbase, her endorsement can drive club sales globally.
d) Exit Strategy
Equity investors often plan an exit strategy, such as selling their stake to larger investors or cashing out during a merger or acquisition.
Financial Implications for Tems
1. Diversification
As a music artist, Tems’ income heavily depends on streaming, performances, and endorsements. By investing in sports, she diversifies her portfolio into an industry with relatively stable returns, shielding her from the volatility of the music business.
2. Long-Term Wealth Building
Sports investments are long-term plays. Even if Tems doesn’t receive immediate cash flow, her equity stake can multiply in value over the next decade, positioning her as a major player in sports financing.
3. Tax Benefits
In the US, sports franchise owners benefit from various tax deductions, including depreciation on assets, operational expenses, and loss carryforwards—further enhancing the investment’s attractiveness.
African Artists Shifting to Business Ownership
Tems joins a growing list of African artists turning into business moguls:
- Burna Boy ventured into real estate.
- Davido launched a cryptocurrency platform.
- Wizkid invested in fashion and tech startups.
These moves reflect the evolution of African artists from performers to wealth builders, embracing entrepreneurship and securing generational wealth.
Key Business Lessons from Tems’ Investment
1. Leverage Your Brand
Tems utilized her global brand to secure a stake in sports, showing how personal branding can unlock business opportunities.
2. Diversify Income Streams
Relying solely on music revenue is risky. Tems’ investment underscores the importance of building a diversified portfolio.
3. Think Global
African artists are no longer confined to local markets. Tems’ US sports investment signals a shift towards international wealth building.
4. Equity is King
Owning equity offers long-term security and wealth appreciation, a lesson every entrepreneur should embrace.
Conclusion: Tems, The Investor
Tems’ transition from Grammy stages to the boardroom of a US football club marks a new chapter in African entertainment business. Her foray into sports ownership highlights the growing intersection of music, sports, and finance, inspiring young entrepreneurs across the continent.
Her journey reminds us that success isn’t confined to one industry. Whether you’re an artist, a small business owner, or a finance enthusiast, the key is to think beyond your primary income source and tap into asset-backed investments like sports, real estate, or tech startups.
# .Part-Owner of a US Football Club
# Part-Owner of a US Football Club
# Part-Owner of a US Football Club
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