San Diego FC (SDFC) has officially announced that two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning, Oscar-nominated Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Tems has joined the club’s ownership group. Through her company, The Leading Vibe, Tems brings her creative vision, global influence, and passion for community engagement to the world of soccer as an SDFC Club Partner.
This move marks a significant step in SDFC’s commitment to merging sports, culture, and social impact, with Tems adding her voice to an already impressive lineup of global figures supporting the club.
A Major Win for SDFC: Tems’ Cultural and Global Influence
Known for her soulful and distinctive sound, Tems has captivated audiences worldwide. She first gained international recognition with her feature on Wizkid’s global hit Essence, followed by her work on Future’s triple-platinum single Wait For U, which won her a GRAMMY. Her contribution to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack with Lift Me Up earned her Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations, further cementing her status as a global icon.
Now, Tems brings this artistic brilliance and cultural influence to San Diego FC, a club set to make its Major League Soccer (MLS) debut on February 23, 2025, against the LA Galaxy.
SDFC’s Leadership on Tems’ Involvement
San Diego FC’s leadership is excited about the partnership and the opportunities it presents.
Sir Mohamed Mansour, SDFC Chairman, expressed his enthusiasm:
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner. Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us to reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which of course has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organization.”SDFC CEO Tom Penn highlighted Tems’ alignment with the club’s vision:
“Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide. We are honored to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC. Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission, and her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent domestically and globally reflects the core values of Right to Dream. We also look forward to creating meaningful connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.”
Tems’ Statement: A Passion for Football and Community
For Tems, this partnership is more than just an investment—it’s about bringing people together through football, creativity, and shared experiences.
“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. 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.”
Her involvement signals a shift towards cultural and global inclusivity in sports, blending entertainment, music, and football in a way that resonates with diverse audiences.
A Growing and Influential Ownership Group
Tems joins a star-studded lineup of SDFC Club Partners who are committed to excellence, diversity, and community engagement. This includes:
- Issa Rae – Acclaimed actress, writer, and producer known for Insecure
- Juan Mata – World Cup-winning Spanish footballer
- Jocko Willink – Retired U.S. Navy SEAL, leadership expert
- Manny Machado – San Diego Padres’ perennial MLB All-Star
Their collective influence expands San Diego FC’s reach beyond sports, touching industries such as entertainment, leadership, and global development.
Partnership with Pave Investments: Strengthening Ties with Africa
Tems is joining San Diego FC in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that previously led an investment group into NBA Africa in 2021. This move strengthens SDFC’s connection to Africa’s football development initiatives.
As part of this collaboration:
- Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments
- Kwamena Afful, Founding Director of Pave Investments
Will also join SDFC’s ownership group, ensuring a strong link between African talent development and San Diego FC’s vision.
Right to Dream Academy: Empowering the Next Generation
San Diego FC is deeply connected to Right to Dream, an academy focused on empowering young footballers through education, training, and mentorship. This aligns seamlessly with Tems’ own commitment to youth empowerment, making her involvement an ideal match.
Through this partnership, SDFC and Tems aim to:
- Develop young football talent both in the U.S. and internationally
- Provide access to opportunities for underprivileged communities
- Use football as a vehicle for education and leadership training
San Diego FC’s MLS Debut: What’s Next?
San Diego FC is set to debut in Major League Soccer on February 23, 2025, against the LA Galaxy. With Tems now on board, the club’s cultural and global reach will continue to expand, setting the stage for an exciting and dynamic introduction to MLS.
This partnership is more than just a business move—it’s a celebration of football, music, and global culture, uniting communities through shared passion and ambition. Tems’ presence at SDFC will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to the club’s development and inspire fans around the world.
Final Thoughts
San Diego FC’s decision to bring Tems into its ownership group is a bold and forward-thinking move that highlights the growing intersection of music, sports, and social impact. Her global influence, coupled with SDFC’s commitment to diversity and youth empowerment, makes this partnership one to watch as the club prepares for its highly anticipated MLS debut.
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