Former Raptors President Masai Ujiri Joins WNBA's Toronto Tempo Ownership Group
In a major development for professional basketball, Masai Ujiri, the former president of the Toronto Raptors, has officially become part of the ownership group for the WNBA's expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo. This strategic move was confirmed on March 31, 2026, and represents a significant expansion of Ujiri's influence in the sport beyond the NBA.
A Proven Leader in Basketball Management
Ujiri brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to the Toronto Tempo organization. During his tenure with the Raptors, he was instrumental in building the team that won the 2019 NBA Championship, demonstrating exceptional skill in talent evaluation, team building, and organizational leadership. His transition to WNBA ownership signals growing recognition of the league's importance and potential for growth.
The Toronto Tempo is one of the WNBA's newest expansion teams, representing Canada's largest city in the premier women's professional basketball league. Ujiri's involvement is expected to bring heightened visibility and credibility to the franchise as it establishes itself in the competitive sports landscape.
Strategic Implications for Women's Basketball
This ownership move comes at a pivotal time for women's sports, particularly basketball, which has seen increasing investment and fan engagement in recent years. Ujiri's participation in the Tempo ownership group represents:
- Enhanced credibility for the expansion franchise
- Potential for cross-league collaboration between NBA and WNBA organizations
- Increased media attention and fan interest in women's professional basketball
- Opportunities for player development programs and community engagement initiatives
Ujiri has previously demonstrated commitment to basketball development globally through his Giants of Africa foundation, which focuses on youth development across the continent. His involvement with the Tempo suggests similar dedication to growing the game at the professional women's level.
Building on Toronto's Basketball Legacy
Toronto has established itself as a significant basketball market since the Raptors' NBA championship victory in 2019. The addition of a WNBA team with high-profile ownership like Ujiri's strengthens the city's position as a basketball hub in North America. This development follows growing interest in women's sports across Canada, with increased attendance at professional women's hockey and soccer events in recent seasons.
The timing of this announcement positions the Toronto Tempo to capitalize on the momentum of women's sports while benefiting from Ujiri's extensive network and basketball expertise. As the WNBA continues to expand its footprint, having experienced basketball executives like Ujiri involved in ownership groups represents a strategic advantage for the league's growth and stability.
