Masai Ujiri Joins Toronto Tempo, Forging a New Era for Women's Basketball

TORONTO, ON – March 31, 2026 – In a move poised to reshape the landscape of professional women's basketball in Canada and beyond, Masai Ujiri, the celebrated architect of the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA championship, has been announced as a Principal Owner of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States.

The announcement signifies a major power play for the expansion team, which is set to begin play in 2026. Ujiri's involvement brings not only a championship pedigree but also a deeply rooted commitment to social impact and empowerment, which will be immediately channeled into a new global coaching initiative, Tempo Rising.

The Architect's New Blueprint

Masai Ujiri's transition into WNBA ownership is a natural progression of a career defined by visionary leadership and a passion for using sport as a vehicle for change. As the former President and Vice Chairman of the Raptors, he proved his ability to build a championship culture from the ground up, a feat he now aims to replicate with the Tempo. His influence extends far beyond the basketball court, most notably through his work as the founder of Giants of Africa, a non-profit that has used basketball to educate and enrich the lives of African youth for over two decades.

"As an honourary Canadian, I'm excited to be part of the Tempo team as I believe they are building something truly historic -- a franchise that represents not only Canada, but the future of basketball," said Ujiri. "I believe deeply in the vision behind the Tempo: creating female leaders, elevating women not just on the court, but across the organization, and building championship culture from day one. This is more than just a new team -- it's a defining moment in women's basketball globally."

Ujiri's philosophy of empowerment is well-documented. During his tenure with the Raptors, he famously increased the female staff by 2000%. His new role with the Tempo aligns perfectly with his ongoing commitments, including his work with the Zaria Group to develop sports infrastructure in Africa and his appointment as a UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate. This new venture is not a departure from his life's work but an expansion of it, bringing his focus on equity and opportunity directly to the burgeoning world of women's professional basketball.

Beyond the Court: Launching 'Tempo Rising'

Concurrent with Ujiri's appointment, the franchise unveiled Tempo Rising, an ambitious global coaching mentorship program. This first-of-its-kind initiative is designed to support and develop emerging women-identifying and non-binary coaches, providing them with elite-level mentorship and professional growth opportunities.

The program promises participants exclusive access to guidance from a formidable leadership team, including Ujiri himself, alongside Tempo General Manager Monica Wright Rogers and Head Coach Sandy Brondello. The curriculum is built around value-driven coaching, community impact, and long-term career development. While other organizations, such as the WBCA and NCAA, have successful programs for aspiring coaches, Tempo Rising distinguishes itself with its direct integration into a professional WNBA franchise and its explicit global scope, aiming to cultivate talent from communities worldwide.

This initiative is a tangible manifestation of the franchise's stated mission. It's a strategic investment in the ecosystem of women's basketball, ensuring that the development of talent extends from the players on the court to the leaders on the sidelines and in the front office.

A League Without Borders: Toronto and the WNBA's Global Ambition

The arrival of the Toronto Tempo is a landmark moment for the WNBA as it executes a deliberate and aggressive growth strategy. The decision to expand into Canada was bolstered by overwhelming evidence of a hungry market, most notably a sold-out 2023 preseason game in Toronto that showcased the city's passion for the sport. The Tempo's strategy includes playing select games in Montreal and Vancouver, signaling an ambition to be Canada's team, not just Toronto's.

The financial landscape of the league underscores the timeliness of this expansion. Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum, secured the Toronto franchise for a reported US$50 million. While a significant investment, it appears to be a prescient one, as subsequent expansion fees for new teams have skyrocketed into the hundreds of millions, reflecting the soaring valuation of women's professional sports.

"Masai's leadership, his vision, and his deep belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition to our ownership group," said Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures. "In his role as a Principal Owner, his influence and values align perfectly with what the Tempo stands for -- equity, excellence, and purpose. Together, we will continue to build a franchise that reflects the best of what sport can do for communities here in Canada and around the world."

Assembling a Dynasty: The Power Behind the Tempo

Ujiri joins an ownership and leadership group that is arguably one of the most powerful ever assembled for a professional sports expansion team. The roster of leaders is a clear statement of intent to compete for championships immediately.

Larry Tanenbaum, a 30-year veteran of building winning teams and Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors, provides a steady hand and deep institutional knowledge. He is joined in principal ownership by tennis icon Serena Williams, a global brand and savvy investor who has already found success as a co-owner of the NWSL's Angel City FC.

On the basketball operations side, the team is in expert hands. General Manager Monica Wright Rogers, a two-time WNBA champion as a player, brings a modern, player-centric approach to roster construction. She is complemented by Head Coach Sandy Brondello, a two-time WNBA champion coach and one of the most respected tactical minds in the international game. This combination of championship-winning players and executives creates a foundation of excellence from which the team will build as it prepares for its inaugural season in 2026. The franchise, backed by founding partners like Sephora Canada and CIBC, is being constructed not just to participate, but to dominate.