Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Tems has officially joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer (MLS) side, San Diego FC as a club partner.
This announcement was made on February 12, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of music, culture, and sports.
Tems, who has earned accolades such as a GRAMMY Award for Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” from her acclaimed debut album Born In The Wild and also boasts of an Oscar nomination, expressed her enthusiasm about the venture;
“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.”
In this endeavor, Tems is partnering with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm known for its involvement in sports and community development. Alongside Tems, Pave Investments’ Chairman Tunde Folawiyo and Founding Director Kwamena Afful will also join San Diego FC’s ownership group.
This collaboration aims to amplify the club’s mission and the Right to Dream Academy’s initiatives, focusing on creating opportunities for young talent globally.
San Diego FC, set to make its debut in the MLS Western Conference in 2025, has been building a diverse and influential ownership group.
The club’s primary owners include British-Egyptian businessman Mohamed Mansour and the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, marking the first time a Native American tribe has had a stake in a professional soccer team.
Other notable partners are actress and producer Issa Rae, MLB star Manny Machado, and former soccer player Juan Mata.
“We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” said Club Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour. “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.”
