Nigeria-born Ujiri partners Serena Williams in Toronto Tempo ownership move

Nigeria-born basketball executive Masai Ujiri has taken a major step into women’s professional basketball after joining the ownership group of Toronto Tempo as a Principal Owner.

Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in global basketball, Ujiri rose to prominence after building the Toronto Raptors side that secured the 2019 NBA Championship. He is also the founder of Giants of Africa, a platform focused on using sport to uplift communities and promote leadership, inclusion, and opportunity—especially for women.

With his new role at Toronto Tempo, Ujiri is expected to channel that same philosophy into strengthening women’s basketball in Canada and beyond, while helping to nurture future leaders within the sport.

“As an honorary 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 organisation, and building a championship culture from day one. This is more than just a new team — it’s a defining moment in women’s basketball globally.”

His push for gender equity in sports is further reflected in Tempo Rising, a newly unveiled global mentorship initiative launched in partnership with the club.

The programme is designed to support emerging women-identifying and non-binary coaches at the grassroots level, offering them access to mentorship, training opportunities, and practical coaching experience.

Participants will be guided by Ujiri alongside General Manager Monica Wright Rogers and Head Coach Sandy Brondello, with a strong emphasis on community impact, value-based leadership, and long-term development.

Reacting to the development, Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, praised Ujiri’s addition to the ownership group.

“Masai’s leadership, his vision, and his deep belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition to our ownership group,” he said.

“In his role as a Principal Owner, his influence and values align perfectly with what 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.”

Ujiri joins the ownership structure alongside tennis legend Serena Williams, further strengthening the profile of the franchise as it prepares to make its mark in the WNBA.

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