Masai Ujiri, one of the most respected executives in global basketball, has joined the Toronto Tempo as a Principal Owner. Best known as the architect behind the Toronto Raptors’ historic 2019 NBA Championship, Ujiri has built a reputation that extends far beyond the court. As the founder of Giants of Africa, he has consistently used sport as a platform to empower youth, promote leadership, and advance equity—particularly for women and underrepresented communities. In joining the Toronto Tempo, Ujiri brings that same purpose-driven approach to a growing movement in women’s sport. His involvement signals a strong commitment to developing not only elite athletes, but also future leaders across all levels of the game in Canada and globally. “As an honorary Canadian, I’m excited to be part of the Tempo team, as they are building something truly historic—a franchise that represents not only Canada, but the future of basketball,” Ujiri said. “This is more than just a new team; it’s a defining moment in women’s basketball globally.” A key part of his contribution is the launch of Tempo Rising, an innovative global mentorship program developed in collaboration with the franchise. The initiative is designed to support emerging women and non-binary coaches at the grassroots and development levels, equipping them with mentorship, professional training, and hands-on coaching experience. The program will be guided by Ujiri alongside General Manager Monica Wright Rogers and Head Coach Sandy Brondello, with a focus on values-driven leadership, community impact, and long-term growth in the sport. “Masai’s leadership, vision, and deep belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition to our ownership group,” said Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures. “His values align perfectly with what the Tempo stands for—equity, excellence, and purpose.” Ujiri joins the ownership group alongside tennis legend Serena Williams, further boosting the franchise’s global profile and credibility. Beyond basketball operations, Ujiri continues to play a significant role in global development through initiatives like Giants of Africa and his work as a UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate. Despite his many achievements, he has often emphasized that empowering young people through sport remains his most meaningful mission.
