Masai Ujiri Joins Ownership Group of WNBA’s Toronto Tempo

Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and President Masai Ujiri has officially joined the ownership group for the Toronto Tempo, the city's inaugural WNBA franchise.

Masai Ujiri has officially joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA’s 14th franchise, which is scheduled to begin league play in May 2026. The Toronto Raptors Vice-Chairman and President joins Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum, in a move that integrates one of the NBA’s most decorated executives into the professional women’s basketball landscape. This expansion team will host its home games at the 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place, marking the first time a WNBA team will be permanently based outside of the United States.

The financial structure of the deal sees Ujiri taking a personal stake in the organization, separate from his ongoing leadership role with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. The Toronto Tempo was awarded to the city following a $50 million expansion fee paid by Tanenbaum, who also serves as the Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors. Ujiri’s involvement follows a record-breaking 2024 WNBA season that saw league-wide attendance rise by 48% and viewership on major networks increase by 170% compared to the previous year.

Strategic planning for the Tempo includes the construction of a dedicated practice facility specifically designed for the women’s roster, ensuring the athletes have 24-hour access to training resources. This infrastructure project is part of a broader commitment to establish Toronto as a premier destination for international basketball talent. Ujiri’s history of scouting global prospects is expected to influence the franchise's approach to the WNBA Draft and free agency periods. The team’s identity, revealed as the 'Tempo,' reflects the city’s musical heritage and the fast-paced nature of the modern game.

During his tenure with the Raptors, Ujiri oversaw the 2019 NBA Championship run and has been a vocal advocate for the 'Giants of Africa' initiative, which promotes the sport across the continent. His transition into WNBA ownership aligns with the league’s aggressive growth strategy, which aims to reach 16 teams by the 2028 season. The Toronto franchise sold over 5,000 season ticket deposits within the first few hours of the initial announcement, demonstrating a high level of market demand for professional women’s sports in Ontario.

The addition of Ujiri to the board provides the Tempo with an executive who has managed billion-dollar sports assets and navigated complex collective bargaining agreements. His presence is intended to bridge the gap between the established NBA fanbase in Canada and the emerging WNBA audience. As the franchise prepares for its inaugural tip-off in 2026, the ownership group is focusing on securing local corporate sponsorships and broadcast rights deals to maximize the team's commercial footprint. This partnership marks a pivotal moment in Canadian sports history, as the nation prepares to support its first full-time professional women’s basketball team under the guidance of a proven championship architect.