It’s no longer news that Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated Nigerian artist, Tems has joined San Diego FC’s ownership group as a club partner ahead of its 2025 MLS expansion. This move makes her the first African woman to own a professional team in the U.S., joining a growing list of African women taking leadership roles in global sports.
SDFC chairman Sir Mohamed Mansour welcomed her, emphasizing her global influence and the club’s deep ties to sub-Saharan Africa through the Right to Dream organization.
Tems expressed her excitement on Instagram, highlighting her passion for football: “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and be part of a club that celebrates creativity, culture, and community. Football unites people in a powerful way, and I’m eager to help build something special in San Diego.”
She also shared how her love for the sport began in childhood, watching her brother play. Beyond ownership, she is committed to nurturing young talent through a partnership with Right to Dream Academy, drawing parallels between music and sports in shaping opportunities for youth.
Tems’ Early Days
Tems was born Temilade Openiyi in 1995, her name, “Temilade” means “the crown is mine” in Yoruba. Her family moved to the UK when she was an infant but returned to Nigeria after her parents’ separation when she was five. She lived in Ilupeju before relocating to Lekki and later Ajah.
As a child, Tems was only allowed to listen to Christian music, as per her mother’s rule. In her teenage years, she developed an interest in R&B and hip-hop, listening to artists like Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, and Aaliyah. She once performed a live cover of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.”
She also admired Burna Boy, Lauryn Hill, Adele, Rihanna, Coldplay, Paramore, and Asa. However, at 15, she stopped listening to other artists to discover her own musical identity. She wanted to approach songs based on her own emotions rather than imitating others. Her voice is a mix of deep, velvety tones which many call androgynous, passing as a male’s or female’s if she pleases.
She attended Dowen College for secondary school and later earned a degree in Economics from Monash South Africa. During high school, Tems was often bullied for her voice. At 11, she joined the school choir, where her music teacher recognized her talent. He coached her, and taught her to play the piano. She developed her vocal skills by practicing falsetto and singing with her brother, who played the guitar.
Tems’ Rise To Stardom And Fortune
The Nigerian act had been making waves in the Nigerian music scene but gained international fame with Wizkid’s 2020 hit “Essence.” The song earned her a Grammy nomination. She later collaborated with Drake and Future on “Wait for U,” making history as the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy.
Her music career includes two EPs, For Broken Ears (2020) and If Orange Was a Place (2021), followed by her debut studio album Born in the Wild (2024). She also contributed to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack and co-wrote Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up.”
Tems has won multiple awards, including two Grammys, and holds the record for the longest-charting No. 1 song by a female artist on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
San Diego FC: A New Force In The American Football Scene
San Diego FC is a professional football club based in San Diego, California. The team was awarded an MLS expansion franchise on May 18, 2023. It is set to debut in the 2025 MLS season as the league’s 30th team. The club plays its home matches at Snapdragon Stadium. This state-of-the-art venue enhances the fan experience and provides a strong home-field advantage.
The club’s ownership group is led by British-Egyptian businessman and former politician Mohamed Mansour. The club is also owned by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. The relationship is a biggie, marking a historic collaboration between global business leaders and an indigenous American tribe. This diverse ownership structure reflects San Diego FC’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation.
San Diego FC’s Recent Performance
As a newly established team, San Diego FC does not yet have a long-term performance history. However, early pre-season and friendly matches provide a glimpse into the club’s potential. Some recent results include:
- LA Galaxy 0 – 2 San Diego FC
- San Diego FC 6 – 0 New York Red Bulls
- Portland Timbers 3 – 0 San Diego FC
- San Diego FC 1 – 3 New York City FC
These matches, while not part of the official MLS season, demonstrate the club’s ability to compete at a high level. Many believe that the football club is destined for the stars.
San Diego’s Fan Base And Reach
As an expansion team, San Diego FC is in the process of building its fan base. The club is leveraging community engagement and its location in a vibrant sports market to establish strong local support.
The team’s branding incorporates regional symbolism, with its crest design representing the 18 cities of San Diego County. This localized identity helps strengthen the club’s connection with the community, fostering a dedicated following.
On a global scale, MLS continues to expand its reach, attracting international talent and viewership. With notable players like Hirving Lozano on the roster, San Diego FC is poised to gain worldwide recognition, particularly among fans in Mexico and Latin America. Tems Input will also open up the club and league to interest in Africa and other parts of the world where they listen to Tems and AfroBeats.
San Diego’s Financial Outlook And Profit Potential
As a new team, San Diego FC’s exact profit margins are not publicly available, but several key factors will determine its financial success:
- Ticket Sales: A strong local fan base and an accessible stadium will drive match-day revenue.
- Merchandise Sales: Branded apparel and team gear will contribute significantly to revenue, especially as the club gains popularity.
- Sponsorships: Partnerships with local and global brands will be crucial for financial stability.
- Player Transfers: The development and sale of talented players can generate additional income.
- MLS Revenue Sharing: As part of a growing league, San Diego FC will benefit from television deals, sponsorships, and league-wide revenue distribution.
MLS itself has experienced rapid expansion, increasing its valuation and attracting major investors. This trend suggests strong financial potential for San Diego FC in the coming years.
With a solid ownership structure, a promising squad, and a growing fan base, San Diego FC is positioned to make an impact. This impact will be felt both on and off the field. This in turn, contributes to the continued success of Major League Soccer.
Why Tems’ Investment in San Diego FC Is A Smart Move
Tems’ acquisition of a stake in San Diego FC is a strategic financial decision that positions her as both a cultural and economic influencer in sports. With Major League Soccer (MLS) expanding rapidly, the league has seen increased viewership, sponsorship deals, and rising franchise values.
Investing in an MLS team ahead of its 2025 debut means she is entering a growing market with strong revenue potential. As a global music icon, Tems also brings significant brand equity to the club, helping to drive visibility, merchandise sales, and fan engagement beyond traditional soccer audiences.
How Tems’ Acquisition Can Help The Participation Of Women In Football/Sports
Beyond financial gains, her move contributes to the growth of the sport, particularly for women in football. Tems becomes the first African woman to own a professional sports team in the U.S., setting a precedent for female ownership in global football. Her involvement highlights the importance of diverse leadership in sports, which can lead to more inclusive policies, investment in women’s teams, and greater opportunities for female athletes.
Her impact extends beyond the U.S. to Nigeria, where women’s football, despite its talent pool, struggles with funding and visibility. Through her collaboration with the Right to Dream Academy, Tems is actively supporting youth development, ensuring young Nigerian girls and boys have access to structured football training and career pathways.
As a successful Nigerian woman in music and now sports, she inspires young female athletes and entrepreneurs to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Final Words
Tems’ journey is one of overcoming societal norms, forging her own identity in music, and now entering the business of sports. This makes her a beacon of empowerment and hope to many including Nigerians, upcoming music acts, AfroBeats and young women. Her ownership stake in San Diego FC is more than an investment; it’s a statement that women, especially African women, can shape industries, build wealth, and create lasting change. That, to us at Trickle Media, is a BIG DEAL!
