Masai Ujiri Joins WNBA's Toronto Tempo Ownership, Marking New Era for Canadian Basketball

Masai Ujiri, the architect behind the Toronto Raptors’ historic NBA championship, has taken on a new challenge by joining the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the city's inaugural WNBA franchise.

The announcement marks a significant step for women’s professional basketball in Canada, with Ujiri’s involvement lending instant credibility and vision to the WNBA’s newest team. Ujiri, who served as president of basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors and was instrumental in building the 2019 NBA championship roster, is widely respected for his leadership and community engagement.

• The Toronto Tempo are the first WNBA team based in Canada.
• Masai Ujiri’s role as co-owner brings extensive basketball experience to the franchise.
• The announcement has generated excitement throughout Canadian sports circles.

Ujiri's move to the WNBA comes at a time when the league is experiencing growth in both popularity and investment. The addition of a Toronto franchise expands the WNBA's footprint beyond the United States, a milestone that has been met with enthusiasm by Canadian basketball fans. Ujiri’s reputation for building competitive teams and fostering community initiatives is expected to shape the Tempo’s culture both on and off the court.

While the details of Ujiri’s investment and day-to-day involvement have not been publicly disclosed, his presence in the ownership group is seen as a strategic asset for the franchise. The Toronto Tempo will benefit from Ujiri’s extensive network within professional basketball and his experience in player development, scouting, and organizational leadership.

The launch of the Toronto Tempo aligns with a broader movement to elevate women’s sports in Canada, providing young athletes with new role models and pathways to professional competition. As anticipation builds for the team’s inaugural season, Ujiri’s entry into WNBA ownership underscores the growing synergy between the men’s and women’s basketball communities in North America.