Following a 12 year career with the Toronto Raptors, longtime NBA executive Masai Ujiri has announced he is joining the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo ownership group.
Ujiri will be added to an ownership group that already features MLSE board member Larry Tanenbaum, Serena Williams, Habs owner Geoff Molson, and more. The 55 year old brings championship winning experience from his time with the Raptors, while also aligning with the club’s vision to have an equally large off court impact as well through initiatives like Ujiri’s Giants of Africa project.
“As an honourary Canadian, I’m excited to be part of the Tempo team as I believe they are building something truly historic — a franchise that represents not only Canada, but the future of basketball,” said Ujiri. “I believe deeply in the vision behind the Tempo: creating female leaders, elevating women not just on the court, but across the organization, and building championship culture from day one. This is more than just a new team — it’s a defining moment in women’s basketball globally.”
The club also announced the launch of their new “Tempo Rising” project in conjunction with Ujiri’s addition, which will serve as a means to identify women and non-binary coaches at the introduction to competition levels around the globe. The coaching mentorship program will pair up grassroots coaches with Ujiri, general manager Monica Wright Rogers and head coach Sandy Brondello in an effort to shape the next generation of players and community leaders.
“Masai’s leadership, his vision, and his deep belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition to our ownership group,” said Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures. “In his role as a Principal Owner, his influence and values align perfectly with what the Tempo stands for — equity, excellence, and purpose. Together, we will continue to build a franchise that reflects the best of what sport can do for communities here in Canada and around the world.”
With another high profile owner in the fold, the Tempo will now turn their attention to the upcoming WNBA season, starting with the 2026 WNBA expansion draft which will be held on Friday, April 3rd. The club will then have their first ever WNBA collegiate draft, before hosting their training camp, and first regular season game against the Washington Mystics on May 8th.
Photo: Taxiarchos228.