Serena Williams eyes potential investment in Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Women's Basketball

Serena Williams, known for her dominance on the Tennis court, is exploring opportunities to channel her influence into women’s basketball. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who already holds ownership stakes in Angel City FC and Los Angeles Golf Club, expressed her interest in owning a WNBA team, provided the conditions are right.

In a recent interview with CNN, Williams discussed her potential venture into the WNBA, emphasizing the importance of the right market for her investment. “I absolutely would be interested. With the right market, I would definitely be super interested in that,” Williams stated, reflecting her enthusiasm for expanding her portfolio into women’s basketball.

The timing of Williams’ comments is notable, coinciding with the 2024 WNBA Draft, an event that has generated significant attention due to the exceptional talents coming through the ranks, such as Iowa’s standout point guard Caitlin Clark. Clark, anticipated to be the No. 1 pick, exemplifies the type of talent that could drive Williams’ interest in the league. “We just needed the right catalyst and the right people, and I think that’s been happening over the past two years,” Williams remarked, underscoring the momentum building in women’s sports.

Williams’ advocacy for women’s sports is well-documented, not only through her ownership but also through her investment activities. Serena Ventures, her investment company, has backed 66 startups, including 16 “unicorns” – companies valued at over $1 billion. Remarkably, 78 percent of these startups were founded by women and people of color, showcasing her commitment to diversity and empowerment through entrepreneurship.

Serena thinking of buying a WNBA team? Here’s why she’s all in

The tennis legend also highlighted the growing popularity and viewership of women’s sports, particularly women’s college basketball, which has recently seen higher viewership numbers than its male counterpart. “Women’s sport is exciting, women are exciting to watch. More people watched the women’s college basketball than the men. It’s an overly safe bet when it comes to investing,” she explained.

The support for Williams’ potential move into WNBA ownership was echoed by stars like A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who shared Williams’ comments with expressive emojis, indicating excitement and surprise. This enthusiasm is shared by other high-profile sports figures, including retired quarterback Tom Brady, who recently joined the Aces’ ownership group.

As the 2024 WNBA Draft unfolds at the Brooklyn Academy of Music – a sold-out event that marks a significant moment for the league – Williams’ interest in WNBA ownership adds an extra layer of anticipation and potential for the future of women’s basketball.