TORONTO 鈥� Entertainer Lilly Singh has joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA鈥檚 expansion franchise, the team announced Tuesday.
She鈥檒l also serve as the basketball team鈥檚 chief hype officer, handling fan engagement.
Singh, from Scarborough, Ont., is a former YouTube star who went on to host a U.S. late-night talk show.
鈥淚 know from experience that in every corner of the world, one thing always rings true: the positive impact that participating in sports and the sports community has on girls and women,鈥� she said in a statement. 鈥淚 love women. I love Toronto. Joining the ownership group of the Tempo is an absolute no-brainer. I can鈥檛 think of anything else I would rather spend my money, time and hype-woman energy on.鈥�
She is also co-owner of Angel City FC in the National Women's Soccer League.
Singh joins tennis star Serena Williams, tech executive Sukhinder Singh Cassidy and sports investor Larry Tanenbaum in the Tempo ownership group.
鈥淟illy is a creative visionary with infectious energy and enthusiasm,鈥� said Tempo president Teresa Resch.
鈥淗er expertise in online community-building and socially-driven storytelling, not to mention her deep passion for this game, this league and this city, will be absolutely invaluable.鈥�
The team hired Monica Wright Rogers as its first general manager in February and has yet to name a head coach.
The Tempo will play out of Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto starting in 2026, with games also planned across Canada.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 13, 2025.
The Canadian Press
