Masai Ujiri has made a return to the basketball scene in Toronto by officially becoming part of the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo. This move comes after Ujiri spent 12 successful years in the front office of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. Alongside individuals like Larry Tanenbaum, Serena Williams, and Geoff Molson, Ujiri’s entry into the Tempo’s ownership group marks a significant milestone for him.
Expressing his excitement, Ujiri described this opportunity as a dream come true, emphasizing the honor of being part of such a prestigious ownership group. Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports Ventures secured a WNBA franchise for Toronto in May 2024, attracting a diverse mix of athletes, celebrities, and business figures to invest in the Tempo.
Ujiri expressed eagerness to learn from the varied backgrounds of his fellow owners, highlighting the collective effort to engage fans, players, and the community. Tanenbaum praised Ujiri’s leadership qualities, vision, and commitment to the power of sports, stating that his values align perfectly with the Tempo’s ethos of equity, excellence, and purpose.
Having made history as the first African GM in a major American sport while at the Denver Nuggets, Ujiri’s successful tenure with the Raptors culminated in the 2019 NBA championship. Now, as a principal owner with the Tempo, Ujiri’s wealth of experience in team building is expected to be a valuable asset for the franchise.
Ujiri also announced the launch of Tempo Rising, a groundbreaking coaching mentorship program aimed at supporting women-identifying and non-binary coaches at the grassroots level. This initiative, in collaboration with Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers and head coach Sandy Brondello, is set to provide mentorship, professional development, and practical coaching experiences.
Looking ahead, Ujiri expressed confidence in the potential impact of the program and the team’s global reach. The Tempo’s inaugural regular-season game against the Washington Mystics is scheduled for May 8 at Coca-Cola Coliseum. As the WNBA prepares for the expansion draft, Ujiri humorously remarked that player selection was now the responsibility of others, signaling his excitement for the upcoming journey with the team.