Serena Williams is swapping her tennis racket for a front-row seat in the theater world—or at least a powerful role behind the scenes.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has joined the production team for the national tour of Hell’s Kitchen, the Broadway musical inspired by the teenage years of 17-time Grammy-winner Alicia Keys.
From Tennis Courts to Center Stage
Williams will take on the role of co-producer for the touring production of the show, which celebrates Keys’ rise from the streets of New York City to superstardom.
The musical features many of Keys’ biggest hits, woven into a story set in the vibrant neighborhood that shaped her.
“I was blown away when I saw Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway last summer,” Williams said in a news release.
“I am proud to join the producing team of my first ever Broadway show and support Alicia and the amazing company of Hell’s Kitchen as they get ready to light up the country on tour.
Go see Hell’s Kitchen when it comes to a city near you!”
Alicia Keys Welcomes a Superstar Partner
Keys couldn’t hide her excitement at having Williams on board.
“Our show is all about dreaming big, and there is no one who embodies that spirit quite like Serena Williams,” Keys said.
“I am so excited to have Serena join the Hell’s Kitchen family as a co-producer as we begin our North American tour… it just keeps getting better! We’re so grateful! Let’s go!!!”
The tour kicks off next month in Cleveland, and while Williams’ exact duties behind the scenes remain under wraps, producers on large-scale musicals typically play a wide-ranging role from fundraising to creative input.
Expanding Her Entrepreneurial Game
This isn’t Serena’s first venture beyond the tennis court.
Over the years, she has invested in multiple sports franchises, including the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, NWSL’s Angel City FC, and the upcoming WNBA expansion team in Toronto, set to debut in 2026.
Williams’ move into theater adds another layer to her growing profile as a businesswoman and cultural influencer.
Whether she’ll make a cameo on stage, similar to her guest appearance during the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Kendrick Lamar, remains a mystery—but fans are certainly curious.
Serena Continues to Inspire
Williams’ involvement with Hell’s Kitchen underscores her drive to explore new arenas—both literally and figuratively.
From dominating tennis courts to shaping entertainment and sports franchises, she continues to redefine what it means to excel beyond one’s first passion.