Ex-Raptors prez Masai Ujiri joins Toronto's WNBA ownership

Former Raptors president Masai Ujiri has joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, a WNBA expansion franchise debuting this season.

"I think women's sports is growing in an incredible way. You see it in the WNBA, in soccer, in hockey, and 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," Ujiri told ESPN on Tuesday. "Ownership is a unique opportunity for me and my family."

The Tempo's ownership group is led by Raptors co-owner Larry Tanenbaum, with whom Ujiri won an NBA title during the 2018-19 season.

Ujiri joined the Raptors in 2013 as executive vice president and general manager. He was elevated to president in 2016 and remained in that role through June 2025.

He will be working alongside Tempo president Teresa Resch and general manager Monica Wright Rogers.

"Masai has been a mentor of mine since 2008 when I worked one of his camps in Africa," Resch told ESPN. "We connect often on professional and personal development things. And since he's come on board as an owner, it's been another level. He's got a lot of big ideas and he also understands what it means to put a team together."

The Tempo, coached by Sandy Brondello, are joining the WNBA this season along with the Portland Fire, expanding the league to 15 teams.

--Field Level Media