African women are increasingly making their mark in the male-dominated world of global football ownership, with Grammy award winner Tems being the latest addition to this elite group. Tems recently announced her high-stakes investment in an American football club, San Diego FC, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club set to debut in the 2025 season.

This bold move has positioned Tems not only as a musician but also as a strategic entrepreneur, making her the first African woman to own a U.S.-based football club. Her investment was made through her company, The Leading Vibe, further solidifying her presence in the business world beyond music.

Tems expressed her excitement about the opportunity, highlighting football's power to unite people and its cultural significance. Her investment is a significant milestone for African women in football club ownership, demonstrating the growing influence of African entrepreneurs in global sports.

However, Tems is not alone in this space; she follows a trail already blazed by other industrious African women who have ventured into football investments. Nneka Ede, a Nigerian businesswoman, made waves by acquiring significant stakes in an European football club, Lusitano Ginásio Clube, Futebol, SAD, a Portuguese third-division club, in 2020.

Eniola Aluko, a former England international footballer, also made history by becoming one of the first African women to own a football club in Italy. She acquired a significant stake in FC Como Women through Mercury 13, a sports investment group with a $100 million backing.

Akosua Puni Essien, a Ghanaian businesswoman and philanthropist, gained international recognition in 2017 when she purchased Como 1907, an Italian football club, for €237,000 at an auction after the club had gone bankrupt. This acquisition made her one of the first African women to own a European football club.

These women are reshaping the industry and signaling a shift in sports business, gender representation, and African economic influence in global football. As more African women take on key roles in football ownership, the landscape of global sports investment is set to become more diverse and inclusive.

The growing presence of African women in football ownership is a significant development, not only for the sports industry but also for the broader business world. It highlights the increasing influence of African entrepreneurs in global sports and signals a shift towards more diverse and inclusive ownership structures.

As the sports industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these African women entrepreneurs shape the future of football ownership and investment. With their trailblazing efforts, they are paving the way for more women to take on leadership roles in the industry, creating a more diverse and inclusive landscape for generations to come.