[Dateline: Toronto, Canada – 8 June 2025].
Toronto’s sports landscape is witnessing a new chapter with the appointment of Nigerian basketball executive Masai Ujiri as an owner of the city’s newest WNBA franchise, the Toronto Tempo. Ujiri’s return to Toronto marks a pivotal moment as Africa’s influence in global sports investment continues to expand beyond the playing field.
Ujiri, renowned for his role in elevating the Toronto Raptors to 2019 NBA champions, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the Tempo. His tenure as Raptors president from 2013 to 2025 was marked by significant achievements, including the NBA title in the 2018-19 season.
The Toronto Tempo’s launch in May 2024 marked a historic milestone for the WNBA, as it was the first time the league awarded a franchise outside of the United States. The team is set to commence play in 2026 at Coca-Cola Coliseum, with a national presence as the WNBA expands to 15 teams.
Tennis icon Serena Williams joined the ownership group in March 2025, adding star power and credibility. Ujiri’s addition to the Tempo’s leadership further underscores the evolving role of Africa in sports ownership and governance. His involvement signifies a shift from simply contributing talent to actively shaping the future of global sports.
Ujiri’s commitment to African talent development through Giants of Africa is a testament to his broader vision for sports. He will collaborate with Tempo president Teresa Resch and general manager Monica Wright Rogers, ensuring a robust leadership foundation for the franchise.
Toronto’s significance in this narrative is undeniable, as Ujiri’s previous work with the Raptors transformed the team into a global sports entity. The Tempo now aim to carve out a similar legacy in women’s basketball, with a strong ownership group led by Larry Tanenbaum and bolstered by the presence of Ujiri and Williams. Paragraph omitted as per the original request.
Source: panafricanpost
