Masai Ujiri, the celebrated basketball executive who led the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship, has joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, Canada's first WNBA franchise.
Ujiri, who served as president and vice-chairman of the Raptors, joins the Tempo as a principal owner, bringing his extensive experience in building championship-calibre teams and his a deep-seated commitment to social equity and empowerment. He joins an ownership group led by Kilmer Sports Ventures chairman Larry Tanenbaum and includes other prominent figures like tennis legend Serena Williams.
The move solidifies Ujiri's connection to Toronto's basketball scene, where he remains a revered figure for his role in the Raptors' historic 2019 title run. His transition to the city's new women's team signals a powerful endorsement for the franchise, which is set to begin play in the 2026 season.
Ujiri, a Nigerian-Canadian, expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, calling it a defining moment for women's basketball on a global scale.
Ujiri launches global coaching initiative
Alongside his ownership role, Ujiri has launched a new global coaching mentorship program, Tempo Rising. This initiative aims to support and develop emerging women-identifying and non-binary coaches at the introductory level of competitive basketball.
I believe deeply in the vision behind the Tempo: creating female leaders, elevating women not just on the court, but across the organization, and building championship culture from day one. This is more than just a new team. it’s a defining moment in women’s basketball globally.
Tempo Rising will provide participants with mentorship opportunities, professional development, and hands-on coaching experience. Ujiri will guide the program alongside Tempo General Manager Monica Wright Rogers and Head Coach Sandy Brondello. The curriculum will focus on value-driven coaching, community impact, and long-term professional growth for aspiring coaches.
This initiative aligns with Ujiri's long-standing dedication to using sport as a vehicle for empowerment. His foundation, Giants of Africa, which he started in 2003, has worked to uplift youth in Africa through basketball, focusing on leadership and personal development. His committment to gender equity was also a hallmark of his tenure with the Raptors, where he reportedly increased the number of female staff by 2000 per cent.
A new chapter for Toronto basketball
The WNBA awarded Toronto its 14th franchise in May 2024, marking the league's first expansion outside of the United States. The team, owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, represents a significant milestone for basketball in Canada and the continued growth of professional women's sports in North America.
Larry Tanenbaum, who also serves as Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors and is the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto FC, welcomed Ujiri's involvement.
“Masai’s leadership, his vision, and his deep belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition to our ownership group,” Tanenbaum said in a statement. “In his role as a Principal Owner, his influence and values align perfectly with what the Tempo stands for. equity, excellence, and purpose. Together, we will continue to build a franchise that reflects the best of what sport can do for communities here in Canada and around the world.”
The ownership group also features notable Canadian business leaders and personalities, including Scott Lake, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Lilly Singh, Geoff Molson, France Margaret Bélanger, and Reetu Gupta. The team has already secured Sephora Canada and CIBC as its first founding partners, signalling strong corporate support ahead of its inaugural season.
Building on a legacy of success
Ujiri's career is marked by groundbreaking achievements. He was the first person of African descent to become a general manager in North American professional sports and was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2013. After a modest professional playing career in Europe, he transitioned to scouting before rising through the executive ranks with the Denver Nuggets and later the Raptors, where he led them to a championship. Doncic's return boosts the Lakers, showcasing critical player impact in professional leagues.
His leadership philosophy has consistently emphasized culture, community, and a global perspective. In 2025, he was appointed as a Sustainable Development Goals Advocate by the UN Secretary-General, a role where he promotes youth empowerment, education, and equality on an international stage.
The Toronto Tempo has quickly been building its foundational pillars, hiring Wright Rogers and Brondello to lead its basketball operations. Ujiri's addition to the ownership group is seen as a pivotal step in establishing the team's identity and championship aspirations from day one.
As the team prepares for its 2026 debut, the addition of a figure with Ujiri's track record and vision for empowerment promises to shape not only the on-court product but also the franchise's impact across Toronto and beyond. His work with Tempo Rising is poised to create a lasting legacy by investing in the next generation of female leaders in the sport.
“As an honourary Canadian, I’m excited to be part of the Tempo team as I believe they are building something truly historic, a franchise that represents not only Canada, but the future of basketball,” Ujiri said.
