A major shift is unfolding in global basketball and once again, a Nigerian is right at the centre of it. Masai Ujiri has officially joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, marking a significant transition from NBA leadership to the rapidly growing world of women’s basketball.
The former president of the Toronto Raptors becomes a principal owner of the WNBA expansion side, which is set to debut in 2026. His move comes less than a year after stepping away from his executive role with the Raptors, where he built one of the most successful teams in franchise history.
Ujiri now joins an ownership group that already includes tennis icon Serena Williams, further strengthening the star power and global appeal of the new franchise.
For Ujiri, the move is a continuation of his long-standing commitment to developing basketball and creating opportunities through sport.
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From NBA Champion Builder to Women’s Basketball Advocate
Ujiri is widely respected for his role in leading the Raptors to their historic 2019 NBA championship, a feat that cemented his reputation as one of the most influential executives in modern basketball.Now, he brings that same experience into the Women’s National Basketball Association, at a time when women’s sports are seeing unprecedented growth and global attention.
Speaking on his new role, Ujiri emphasised the broader vision behind the Toronto Tempo project, one that goes beyond wins and losses.He is expected to play a key role in shaping the club’s culture, structure, and long-term direction, while also contributing to “Tempo Rising”, a mentorship initiative designed to develop the next generation of women coaches and leaders in basketball.
This aligns closely with his previous work through Giants of Africa, a platform he founded to empower young people across the continent through sport, education, and leadership.
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A Bigger Play for Representation and Global Growth
Ujiri’s move into WNBA ownership reflects a wider shift happening in sports, one where influence is expanding beyond the court and into leadership, investment, and development.With the addition of Toronto Tempo and other expansion teams, the WNBA is entering a new phase of growth. Having figures like Ujiri and Williams involved signals strong confidence in the league’s future and its commercial potential.
For Nigeria and Africa, this is another powerful moment of representation. Ujiri’s journey, from growing up in Nigeria to becoming a global basketball executive and now a team owner, continues to open doors and reshape perceptions about African leadership in international sports.His involvement also strengthens ties between Africa and global basketball ecosystems, especially as he continues to invest in sports infrastructure and talent development across the continent.
As the Tempo prepare for their inaugural season, expectations are already building, not just for performance, but for impact.
Looking Ahead Masai Ujiri is not just joining a new team, he is helping to shape the future of women’s basketball on a global stage. From championship-winning executive to influential owner, his latest move reinforces a clear pattern: wherever he goes, growth follows.
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