Former Raptors president Masai Ujiri joins ownership group of WNBA's Toronto Tempo

Masai Ujiri is returning to professional basketball in Toronto.

Ujiri officially joined the ownership group of the WNBA's Toronto Tempo on Tuesday after spending 12 years in the front office of the NBA's Toronto Raptors. Ujiri joins Maple Leaf Sport & Entertainment board member Larry Tanenbaum, tennis superstar Serena Williams, and Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson among others in the Tempo's ownership group.

"It's a dream, right? It's incredible," said Ujiri in a recent interview with The Canadian Press. "The big dream is being in ownership. You'd do it at all different levels and this level is one of the highest in sports.

"It's an honour, honestly. It's an honour to be a part of a league like this and a part of an ownership [group] like this."

Tanenbaum's holding company Kilmer Sports Ventures was awarded a WNBA franchise in May 2024. Since then, an eclectic mix of athletes, celebrities, and business people have bought into the Tempo's ownership.

Ujiri said he's excited to learn from the diverse group.

"I think Larry has done a great job of bringing the right people in and identifying what the fans and the players and the community and everybody that's part of it together to see how we can keep everybody involved," said Ujiri, who became a principal owner along with Williams. "I'm just happy to be with this group of people.

"Just hearing the passionate voices of these people, it makes you want to go and watch this team."

Tanenbaum, who worked closely with Ujiri when he was with the Raptors, said that he brings more than just basketball knowledge to the Tempo.

"Masai's leadership, his vision, and his deep belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition to our ownership group," said Tanenbaum in a