The architect of Toronto’s greatest basketball moment is returning to the city—but this time, the mission is different.
Masai Ujiri, the man who steered the Toronto Raptors from 2013 to 2025 and delivered the 2019 NBA title, has officially joined the Toronto Tempo as a principal owner. The announcement, made Tuesday, marks Ujiri’s high-profile return to the sports landscape following his departure from the Raptors last summer.
The Tanenbaum-Ujiri Reunion
Ujiri’s move to the WNBA expansion side is a significant narrative shift in Toronto sports. His exit from the Raptors was largely seen as a casualty of the shifting power dynamics within MLSE, specifically the rise of Edward Rogers.
By joining Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports Ventures, Ujiri aligns himself with the very figure who championed his tenure at the Raptors. He also reunites with Teresa Resch, the former Raptors executive and current Tempo President, signaling a “reunion of the visionaries” who built the We The North era.
More Than a Board Seat: ‘Tempo Rising’
Ujiri’s involvement isn’t just a financial investment; it’s a cultural one. Alongside his ownership stake, the franchise announced the launch of Tempo Rising, a global coaching mentorship program.
- The Goal: To support women-identifying and non-binary coaches entering competitive sports.
- The Philosophy: Creating a “championship culture” that prioritizes equity and leadership development from the front office to the court.
“As an honorary Canadian, I’m excited to be part of the Tempo team. I believe deeply in the vision: creating female leaders and elevating women across the organization. This is a defining moment in women’s basketball globally.” — Masai Ujiri
A Powerhouse Ownership Group
The Toronto Tempo are entering their inaugural season with one of the most formidable ownership structures in the WNBA:
| Role | Name/Entity |
| Majority Owner | Larry Tanenbaum (Kilmer Sports) |
| Principal Owner | Serena Williams |
| Principal Owner | Masai Ujiri |
| President | Teresa Resch |
The Takeaway
Ujiri’s arrival cements the Toronto Tempo as more than just an expansion team; it frames them as a premier global sports property. For a city still feeling the void of Ujiri’s leadership in the NBA, his presence in the WNBA adds immediate credibility and a sense of “unfinished business” to the Toronto basketball scene.
With the expansion draft just days away on April 3rd, the Tempo have sent a clear message to the rest of the league: they aren’t just here to participate—they are here to lead.