Masai Ujiri is back in the game. Just in a different lane for now.
The former Raptors president has joined the ownership group of the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo as a principal owner, the expansion franchise announced.
“I think women’s sports is growing in an incredible way,” Ujiri told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. “You see it in the WNBA, in soccer, in hockey… I think this will really resonate. Ownership is a unique opportunity for me and my family.”
Ujiri stepped away from Toronto last summer after more than a decade running the front office. The split came amid ownership changes and a stretch that saw the Raptors miss the playoffs in four of five seasons.
Since then, he’s stayed busy. Ujiri has spent more time with family while focusing on projects like Giants of Africa, work with the United Nations, and development efforts through the Zaria Group.
Still, the NBA hasn’t left his mind.
“I’ve been learning more about our game… looking at trends and what we might be missing by studying other leagues,” Ujiri said. “One of my main goals is to win another championship… There’s a hunger in me because of what happened. I want to win again so I can actually enjoy it.”
That comment traces back to the 2019 Finals incident in Golden State that overshadowed the Raptors’ title celebration. With the Tempo, Ujiri joins an ownership group led by Larry Tanenbaum, his former partner in Toronto.
As for the NBA, don’t rule anything out. Expansion in Seattle and Las Vegas is looming. If and when it arrives, Ujiri’s name will be in the mix.
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