Masai Ujiri has officially joined the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo. This announcement came on a Tuesday after a distinguished 12-year career with the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. Ujiri joins notable figures like Larry Tanenbaum, Serena Williams, and Geoff Molson in the Tempo’s ownership circle.
Ujiri’s Vision for the Tempo
In an interview with The Canadian Press, Ujiri expressed his excitement. “It’s a dream, right? It’s incredible,” he said. He views ownership in the WNBA as one of the highest achievements in sports. Ujiri believes in the importance of community involvement and looks forward to working closely with fellow owners.
A Diverse Ownership Group
- Masai Ujiri – Principal Owner
- Larry Tanenbaum – Maple Leaf Sport & Entertainment board member
- Serena Williams – Tennis superstar
- Geoff Molson – Montreal Canadiens owner
Tanebaum noted Ujiri’s extensive basketball knowledge. “Masai’s leadership and vision make him an extraordinary addition,” he stated. His values align perfectly with the essence of the Tempo, which focuses on equity, excellence, and community engagement.
Ujiri’s Legacy in Basketball
Ujiri first made headlines in 2010 when he became the general manager for the Denver Nuggets, making history as the first African GM in major American sports. He was later appointed as GM of the Raptors and promoted to team president, leading them to the 2019 NBA championship.
After leaving the Raptors last June, Ujiri is now positioned to impact the WNBA positively. Teresa Resch, the Tempo team president, shared her enthusiasm about Ujiri’s hands-on approach. “He’s going to be a valuable resource,” she remarked.
Supporting Women in Sports
On the same day as his ownership announcement, Ujiri launched Tempo Rising. This groundbreaking initiative aims to mentor women-identifying and non-binary coaching talent. The program will provide professional development opportunities and hands-on coaching experiences.
Ujiri expressed commitment to the women’s sports movement: “I think the sky is the limit for what can be done here.” He highlighted the expertise of the Tempo management team, indicating a promising future.
Upcoming Season and Expansion Draft
The Toronto Tempo will host their inaugural regular-season game against the Washington Mystics on May 8 at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The WNBA is set to hold an expansion draft soon, allowing the Tempo to start building its roster.
With a mix of excitement and humor, Ujiri acknowledged, “As an owner, selecting players is no longer my problem.” He expressed confidence in the team’s management and looks forward to supporting their efforts.
