Masai Ujiri Joins Ownership Group of Toronto Tempo

Masai Ujiri, the former president of the Toronto Raptors, has joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, a new WNBA franchise set to begin play this season. Ujiri expressed enthusiasm for the growth of women's sports, stating, "I think women's sports is growing in an incredible way... to bring a brand like this for the first time to a city that I know, a beautiful city that's passionate, that I believe in -- I think this will really resonate." He joins an ownership group led by Larry Tanenbaum, with whom he previously won the NBA title in 2019.

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Since parting ways with the Raptors, Ujiri has focused on various initiatives, including his work with Giants of Africa and the United Nations, as well as the Zaria Group, which is involved in building sports and entertainment infrastructure across Africa. He highlighted his recent projects, including the completion of a sports city in Rwanda and upcoming developments in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mauritania. Ujiri remarked on the shift in his personal life, noting, "I went from having a driver for 12 years... to now being an Uber driver for my kids."

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Ujiri's ambitions extend beyond his role with the Tempo. He expressed a desire to win another NBA championship, driven by a past incident where he felt disrespected during the Raptors' title celebration. He stated, "There's a hunger in me because of what happened. I want to win again so I can actually enjoy it." His commitment to the Tempo includes working closely with team president Teresa Resch and general manager Monica Wright Rogers, both of whom he has known for years.

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In addition to his ownership role, Ujiri is launching Tempo Rising, a global coaching mentorship program aimed at supporting emerging women-identifying and non-binary coaches. This initiative will provide mentorship, professional development, and hands-on coaching experiences, facilitated by Ujiri, Wright Rogers, and Tempo coach Sandy Brondello.

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While Ujiri's involvement in the Tempo has been largely met with enthusiasm, some critics have raised concerns about the challenges of establishing a new franchise in a competitive sports market. The success of the Tempo will depend on various factors, including community support and effective management.

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• “I think women's sports is growing in an incredible way.” — Masai Ujiri, Owner, Toronto Tempo

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• “There's a hunger in me because of what happened," he said.” — Masai Ujiri, Owner, Toronto Tempo

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• “Masai has been a mentor of mine since 2008 when I worked one of his camps in Africa," Resch told ESPN.” — Teresa Resch, Team President, Toronto Tempo

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Ujiri's new role with the Toronto Tempo marks a significant step in his career and highlights the increasing visibility and importance of women's sports in the broader athletic landscape.

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