Masai Ujiri Joins Toronto Tempo as Principal Owner

Respected executive aims to empower women's basketball through new WNBA franchise

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:56pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball game, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the fast-paced action on the court.Masai Ujiri's move to the Toronto Tempo ownership group signals a new era of global leadership and innovation in women's professional basketball.Denver Today

The Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's newest expansion team, has announced that Masai Ujiri, the former executive vice president and general manager of the Toronto Raptors, has joined the Tempo ownership group as a Principal Owner. Ujiri, known for his visionary leadership and commitment to empowering global communities through sport, will play a pivotal role in the team's mentorship program to support women-identifying and non-binary coaches.

Why it matters

Ujiri's involvement with the Tempo represents a significant boost for the WNBA's global expansion and the continued growth and visibility of women's basketball. As a respected executive with a track record of building championship-caliber teams, Ujiri's expertise and leadership will be invaluable in shaping the Tempo's roster and organizational culture.

The details

Ujiri, who previously spent 12 years with the Toronto Raptors, winning an NBA championship in 2019, will now turn his attention to the Tempo. The Tempo, along with the Portland Fire, are the WNBA's two newest expansion teams, set to debut in the upcoming season. Ujiri will play a key role in the Tempo's mentorship program, which aims to empower women-identifying and non-binary coaches with mentorship, hands-on experience, and the tools to shape the future of basketball in their communities.

  • Ujiri's appointment as a Principal Owner of the Toronto Tempo was announced on March 31, 2026.
  • The Tempo and the Portland Fire will participate in an expansion draft on April 3, 2026.

The players

Masai Ujiri

A respected executive who previously served as the executive vice president and general manager of the Toronto Raptors, winning an NBA championship in 2019. Ujiri is now a Principal Owner of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's newest expansion team, and will play a pivotal role in the team's mentorship program to support women-identifying and non-binary coaches.

Toronto Tempo

The WNBA's newest expansion team, set to debut in the upcoming season along with the Portland Fire. The Tempo is the first WNBA team outside the United States and aims to empower women's basketball globally.

Sandy Brondello

The head coach of the Toronto Tempo, who will lead the team in their inaugural WNBA season.

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What they’re saying

“Dedicating his career to empowering global communities through sport, Ujiri has made it his mission to champion women's empowerment, equity, and opportunity at every level of leadership and development, and brings that same vision to the Toronto Tempo.”

— Toronto Tempo

What’s next

The Tempo and the Portland Fire will participate in an expansion draft on April 3, 2026, where they will select the core members of their respective rosters.

The takeaway

Masai Ujiri's involvement with the Toronto Tempo represents a significant step forward for the WNBA's global expansion and the continued growth of women's basketball. Ujiri's proven leadership and commitment to empowering communities through sport will be invaluable in shaping the Tempo's organizational culture and mentorship program, which aims to support the next generation of women-identifying and non-binary coaches.