The WNBA is on the verge of a historic transformation, and Serena Williams is ensuring that the league’s move north of the border carries a championship pedigree. As the Toronto Tempo prepares for the upcoming expansion draft on April 3, Williams is opening up about her transition from the tennis court to the front office and her vision for the league’s newest franchise.

In a recent interview shared on the Tempo’s social media channels, Williams said that her move into ownership is a natural extension of her lifelong advocacy for women in sports. The 23-time Grand Slam champion noted that her motivation stems from a deep-rooted love for the game and a desire to elevate the platform for female athletes.

"One of the reasons I wanted to become an owner of a WNBA team is because I love the sport," Williams said. "I love women's sports. I've been championing sports for so many decades. And I feel like there's so much more that I can bring to the sport."

Williams, who has successfully navigated the worlds of venture capital and fashion, said she wants to provide the infrastructure for athletes to thrive. She emphasized that while the talent on the court is already world-class, her role is to champion them on a "whole new level" by fostering an environment of excellence.

Her comments come as the league prepares for a pivotal week. The WNBA announced Wednesday that the expansion draft for both the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire will take place on April 3. Before the rosters begin to take shape, a coin toss this Friday will determine the draft order. The winner will choose between the first pick in the expansion draft or the No. 6 overall selection in the college draft on April 13.

The expansion draft will consist of two rounds, with each team allowed up to six picks per round. Existing WNBA teams have until Sunday to submit their list of five protected players. Under the rules ratified in the new collective bargaining agreement, Toronto and Portland can each select only one potential unrestricted free agent. These players could be eligible for a supermax contract worth up to $1.4 million annually, a sign of the league's rapid financial growth.

For Williams, the building process is about more than just the roster; it is about representation.

"As an owner, one way that I hope to impact the team is just by bringing diversity not only on the court but obviously off the court in the back office," Williams said. She added that her ultimate goal is to instill a "championship mentality," a trait she redefined throughout her legendary tennis career.