Masai Ujiri joins Toronto Tempo ownership, launches coaching initiative

Toronto — The Toronto Tempo added a major figure to their leadership group Tuesday, announcing that Masai Ujiri has joined the organization as a Principal Owner ahead of the franchise’s inaugural WNBA season.

Ujiri, widely recognized for building the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship team and for his global work through Giants of Africa, becomes part of an ownership group that also includes Serena Williams. His addition strengthens the Tempo’s leadership structure as the team prepares to debut as Canada’s first WNBA franchise.

Masai Ujiri joins Toronto Tempo ownership

The move extends Ujiri’s long-standing influence in Canadian basketball while aligning with the Tempo’s broader vision of building both a competitive team and a platform for development in the women’s game.

“As an honorary Canadian, I’m excited to be part of the Tempo team,” Ujiri said. “I believe they are building something that represents not only Canada, but the future of basketball.”

Beyond the ownership role, Ujiri’s involvement will include a direct focus on development initiatives. The organization confirmed the launch of Tempo Rising, a global coaching mentorship program designed to support women-identifying and non-binary coaches at the grassroots and early competitive levels.

The program will provide access to mentorship, professional development and hands-on coaching experience, with Ujiri working alongside general manager Monica Wright Rogers and head coach Sandy Brondello. The initiative is positioned as a long-term investment in coaching pathways, emphasizing leadership, community impact and growth within the sport.

Ujiri’s track record suggests a strong alignment with that approach. Through Giants of Africa, he has led basketball development efforts across multiple countries, combining sport with education and leadership programming. His work has consistently emphasized access, opportunity and representation, particularly for underrepresented communities.

That philosophy now extends into the Tempo’s structure. The franchise has positioned itself not only as a new team in the WNBA, but as an organization built around broader social and developmental goals within basketball.

Chairman Larry Tanenbaum pointed to that alignment in outlining Ujiri’s role within the ownership group.

“Masai’s leadership and his belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition,” Tanenbaum said. “His influence and values align with what the Tempo stands for, including equity, excellence and purpose.”

The timing of the announcement comes as Toronto continues to build out all aspects of the franchise ahead of its May 8 season opener. In recent days, the Tempo completed their expansion draft selections, forming the initial core of their roster, while also preparing for the upcoming WNBA Entry Draft.

Ujiri’s addition represents a parallel step in shaping the organization off the court. Ownership structure and leadership vision often play a central role in expansion teams, particularly in establishing culture and long-term direction.

For the Tempo, that direction includes a clear emphasis on representation and leadership within women’s basketball. The launch of Tempo Rising reflects that priority, creating a pathway for coaches who may not traditionally have access to elite development environments.

The program’s structure, which includes mentorship from both executive leadership and coaching staff, suggests an integrated approach that connects grassroots development with professional-level insights.

Ujiri’s presence also reinforces Toronto’s broader position within the global basketball landscape. Having already played a central role in elevating the sport’s profile in Canada through his work with the Raptors, his involvement with the Tempo adds continuity across the country’s basketball ecosystem.

As the franchise moves closer to its debut, the combination of roster development and organizational leadership will define its early trajectory. With Ujiri now part of the ownership group, the Tempo add experience at the highest level of the sport alongside a commitment to long-term growth.

The focus now shifts toward implementation, both on the court and through initiatives like Tempo Rising, as Toronto prepares to enter the WNBA.