Masai Ujiri has officially joined the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo. This announcement was made on a Tuesday following Ujiri’s extensive career in the NBA with the Toronto Raptors, where he spent 12 years. His involvement with the Tempo marks a significant return to professional basketball in Toronto.
Ownership Group Highlights
Ujiri is joining a diverse ownership group that includes:
- Larry Tanenbaum, board member of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- Serena Williams, tennis superstar
- Geoff Molson, owner of the Montreal Canadiens
This eclectic mix features athletes, celebrities, and business leaders committed to enhancing the Tempo’s mission and engagement with fans.
Ujiri’s Vision and Contributions
In a statement, Ujiri expressed enthusiasm about his new role, emphasizing the opportunity to be part of a league he admires. “It’s incredible,” he said. “The big dream is being in ownership.”
Ujiri lauded Tanenbaum for assembling the right team, focusing on community involvement and fan engagement. He aims to leverage his extensive experience in basketball management for the benefit of the Tempo.
Previous Accomplishments
Before joining the Tempo, Ujiri made history as the first African general manager in major American sports. He served as the general manager of the Denver Nuggets before joining the Raptors in 2013, where he later became the team president. Under his guidance, the Raptors clinched the NBA championship in 2019.
New Initiatives within the Tempo
In conjunction with his new ownership role, Ujiri launched a groundbreaking initiative called Tempo Rising. This mentoring program aims to support women-identifying and non-binary coaches at the introduction-to-competition level.
Tempo Rising will provide:
- Exclusive access to mentorship
- Professional development opportunities
- Hands-on coaching experiences
The program will be run by Ujiri, along with Tempo’s general manager Monica Wright Rogers and head coach Sandy Brondello.
Upcoming Season
The Toronto Tempo will kick off their inaugural regular-season game against the Washington Mystics on May 8 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum. As the WNBA prepares for an expansion draft, Ujiri humorously noted his transition from player selection to an ownership role.
As the Tempo builds its roster, Ujiri, along with management, is aimed at creating a franchise that embodies equity, excellence, and purpose.
