Toronto Tempo, a rising force in global women's basketball, today announced a landmark addition to its ownership group: Masai Ujiri, the esteemed executive and visionary leader celebrated for crafting the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship team. Ujiri joins as a Principal Owner, bringing his renowned passion for sport and community empowerment to the forefront of women's basketball development.
A Visionary's New Chapter: Elevating Women's Basketball
Known globally for his work as the founder of Giants of Africa and his unwavering commitment to fostering leadership and opportunity through sport, Ujiri’s move signals a powerful new era for the Toronto Tempo. His dedication to women’s empowerment, equity, and leadership development, honed over decades in professional basketball, will now directly impact the future generation of female athletes and leaders in Canada and worldwide.
“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,” Ujiri stated, expressing his profound belief in the organization's mission. “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 a championship culture from day one. This is more than just a new team — it’s a defining moment in women’s basketball globally.”
Introducing Tempo Rising: Cultivating Future Leaders
Ujiri’s commitment to advancing women in sport extends beyond ownership, manifesting in the launch of Tempo Rising. This innovative global coaching mentorship program, developed in collaboration with Tempo, is set to redefine pathways for emerging talent.
Tempo Rising is a pioneering initiative designed to support and uplift women-identifying and non-binary coaches who are at the foundational "introduction-to-competition" level, actively shaping the game within their local communities. The program offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth, focusing on key areas:
- Exclusive access to mentorship from top-tier professionals.
- Robust professional development tailored for coaching excellence.
- Hands-on coaching experiences designed for practical skill-building.
Participants will receive guidance from an elite team, including Masai Ujiri himself, alongside Toronto Tempo General Manager Monica Wright Rogers and Head Coach Sandy Brondello. The curriculum emphasizes value-driven coaching, fostering significant community impact, and promoting long-term professional growth within the sport. Aspiring candidates can find application details on the Tempo's official website.
Shared Vision, Powerful Partnership
Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures, lauded Ujiri's addition, highlighting the profound synergy between his values and the Tempo's foundational principles. “Masai’s leadership, his vision, and his deep belief in the power of sport make him an extraordinary addition to our ownership group,” Tanenbaum commented. “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 now joins an esteemed roster of Principal Owners, including tennis legend Serena Williams, further solidifying Toronto Tempo’s position as a trailblazer in sports equity and community-focused development.