When Serena Williams picked up a mini basketball in her recent Instagram story, she wasn’t chasing competition. She was just having fun.
Her shots missed. Her laugh was honest and she later reacted further online.
“Mini hoops, major flop. Thank goodness I picked up a racket instead of a basketball. Pops really understood the assignment,” Serena posted on Instagram.
But beneath the humor was the unmistakable spark of someone who never really stops competing.
While Serena‘s playful dabble in basketball was a lighthearted moment, it came at a time when her sister Venus Williams voiced something much deeper: longing.
Speaking during the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., where she advanced to the second round with a win over Peyton Stearns, the 45-year-old Venus expressed what many fans were already thinking.
“The only thing that would make this better is if Serena was here,” Venus admitted.
“Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her. But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know.”
Serena hasn’t confirmed a return to tennis, but she hasn’t ruled it out either.
“As long as I’m healthy,” she once said, “that’s always going to be in the back… of my mind. I stay fit. I stay healthy. When I’m watching, it’s like, ‘Okay, well, you could be out there too.'”
From grand slams to game plans: The rise of Serena the mogul
Whether or not she ever picks up a racket again, Serena Williams isn’t slowing down. Since her 2022 retirement, she’s pivoted with precision, building one of the most impressive post-sports careers in modern athletics.
Her investment firm, Serena Ventures, has backed dozens of start-ups, including multiple billion-dollar unicorns. She owns stakes in Angel City FC, the Miami Dolphins, a TGL golf team, and most recently, Toronto’s new WNBA franchise.
The Toronto Tempo, officially launching in 2026, became Serena‘s latest playground-this time in a boardroom instead of a baseline.
As a part-owner of the WNBA expansion team, Serena‘s involvement goes beyond a ceremonial role. She’s actively helping shape the brand’s voice, visual identity, and player culture.
“This moment is not just about basketball,” she said during the announcement.
“It’s about showcasing the value of women’s sports as a serious investment opportunity.”
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert called Serena‘s ownership a “massive win” for the league. Team President Teresa Resch echoed that sentiment.
“Serena is not only a champion but a cultural icon. She’s the ideal person to help set the tone for this new chapter.”
The Tempo will even play games beyond Toronto, including Montreal and Vancouver, establishing itself as Canada’s national team for women’s basketball. General Manager Monica Wright Rogers, a two-time WNBA champion, will lead the front office, creating a strong foundation from day one.
Read the full article here
