Nigerian-born basketball icon Masai Ujiri is making a major move into the world of women’s professional sports, officially joining the ownership group of Toronto Tempo as a Principal Owner. This transition marks a significant new chapter for Ujiri, who is already celebrated globally for his role in building the Toronto Raptors team that captured the 2019 NBA Championship. Beyond his executive success, he has long been a champion for social change through his Giants of Africa foundation, which uses basketball as a tool for leadership and inclusion, particularly for women.
In his new capacity with Toronto Tempo, Ujiri plans to apply his championship-winning philosophy to elevate women’s basketball in Canada and on the global stage. He expressed his excitement about joining the franchise, noting that the team represents more than just a new sports brand; it is a vision for the future of the game. Ujiri is particularly focused on creating a culture where female leaders can thrive both on the court and within the front office of the organization.
The commitment to gender equity is already taking a practical shape through “Tempo Rising,” a global mentorship initiative launched in tandem with the club. This program is specifically designed to support emerging women and non-binary coaches at the grassroots level by providing them with high-level training and real-world experience. Participants will have the unique opportunity to be mentored by a heavyweight trio consisting of Ujiri himself, General Manager Monica Wright Rogers, and Head Coach Sandy Brondello.
Larry Tanenbaum, the Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, spoke warmly about Ujiri’s new role, highlighting that his deep-seated belief in the power of sport makes him a perfect fit for the ownership group. He told Reports that Ujiri’s values of excellence and purpose align perfectly with the mission of the Tempo franchise. Together, the ownership team aims to build a world-class organization that serves as a beacon for community development and sportsmanship in Canada and beyond.
Perhaps most exciting for sports fans is the high-profile nature of this ownership group. Ujiri joins the leadership structure alongside tennis legend Serena Williams, a partnership that instantly raises the global profile of the franchise. As Toronto Tempo prepares to make its mark in the WNBA, the presence of these two sporting giants suggests that the team is being built with a long-term, championship-driven mindset from the very beginning.
