Serena Williams, the iconic tennis figure and entrepreneur, has revealed her aspirations to acquire a WNBA team in the foreseeable future, underscoring her commitment to advancing women's sports on multiple fronts.
Already a stakeholder in the National Women's Soccer League's Angel City FC, Williams is poised to extend her influence into another league domain. Even amid her illustrious tennis career, Williams demonstrated a keen interest in investment ventures, actively engaging in startup ventures and nurturing burgeoning enterprises.
With an impressive portfolio encompassing stakes in 66 startups valued at over $1 billion, Williams has notably directed her investments towards underrepresented ventures initiated by women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
In an interview with CNN, Williams emphasised the allure of investing in women's sports, dismissing conventional notions of risk associated with such endeavours. She championed the excitement and appeal of women's athletics, citing examples such as the popularity of college women's basketball relative to its male counterpart.
While refraining from specifying a timeline for her potential WNBA ownership, Williams expressed genuine enthusiasm for the prospect, highlighting the importance of identifying the right market opportunity.
"I absolutely would be interested. With the right market, I would definitely be super interested in that," Williams affirmed. Beyond her personal investments, Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, are paving the path for their daughters' financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit.
Both Olympia and Adira, Williams' daughters, hold ownership stakes in Angel City FC, reflecting a familial commitment to instilling the value of ownership from an early age.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Williams emphasised the pivotal role her parents played in fostering financial independence and entrepreneurial drive, sentiments she aims to impart to her own children.
As Williams envisions a future where her daughters embrace the principles of ownership and hard work, her advocacy for women's sports and entrepreneurial empowerment continues to resonate, promising a legacy of leadership and empowerment for generations to come.