Abstract: The invention is a polymerization catalyst system derived from tethered, heteroatom-bridged monocyclopentadienyl transition metal compound precursor from Group 4 of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The catalyst system comprises an activated, tethered pair of Group 4 transition metal compounds having a bidentate ancillary ligand system consisting of one cyclopentadienyl group bound to the transition metal and a Group 15 or Group 16 atom covalently bound to the transition metal and linked to the cyclopentadienyl group through a bridging group containing a Group 14-15 element. The ligand systems of each transition metal compound are tethered by at least one tethering group comprising a Group 13-16 element connected at both ends to either the Group 15 or Group 16 atom or the Groups 14-15 bridging group element. The catalyst system can be employed to polymerize olefins to produce a high molecular weight polymer.