Masai Ujiri is widely respected and recognized as the man who brought Canada its first NBA Championship as the GM of the Toronto Raptors.
But, after being named GM in 2013, winning NBA Executive of the Year and being promoted to President and Vice Chair of the franchise, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment shockingly decided to let Ujiri go in 2025.
Less than a year later, Ujiri is involved in a new Toronto basketball franchise, the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo, this time as a Principal Owner of the franchise’s ownership group.
Per the team’s post on X:
“Dedicating his career to empowering global communities through sport, Ujiri has made it his mission to champion women’s empowerment, equity, and opportunity at every level of leadership and development, and brings that same vision to the Toronto Tempo.
“Ujiri will play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of women’s basketball leaders through a new coaching mentorship program called Tempo Rising. This program will empower women-identifying & non-binary coaches with mentorship, hands-on experience, and the tools to shape the future of basketball in their communities.”
So not only is a owner, but he will also be involved in Tempo Rising, the team’s new inclusive coaching mentorship program.
“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,” said Ujiri in a statement. “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.”
Ujiri’s new ownership role puts him alongside another big time owner in Serena Williams.
“Masai’s leadership, his vision, and his deep belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition to our ownership group,” said Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures. “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 Tempo begin their inaugural WNBA season this year, first in the expansion draft on Friday, April 3rd, followed by the regular WNBA Draft on Monday, April 13th and the team’s first regular season game on May 8th against the Washington Mystics.
