A significant era for the Toronto Raptors has come to a close. Longtime Vice Chairman and President, Masai Ujiri, is reportedly parting ways with the franchise, ending his impactful 12-year tenure in Toronto. The news, initially reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, marks a massive shakeup in the NBA front office landscape.
Ujiri’s departure, described as a mutual decision, comes as he was reportedly entering the final year of his contract with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the Raptors’ parent company. He originally joined the organization in the 2013-14 season and quickly ascended through the ranks, becoming a pivotal figure in shaping the team’s identity and success.
A Legacy Defined by a Championship Ring
Ujiri’s time in Toronto is most famously highlighted by leading the Raptors to their first and only NBA championship in the 2018-19 season. This historic achievement cemented his legacy as one of the league’s top executives. His keen eye for talent and strategic moves helped build the roster that brought the Larry O’Brien trophy north of the border.
Beyond the championship, Ujiri has been recognized for his front office prowess, earning the prestigious NBA Executive of the Year award not once, but twice – in 2014 and again in the championship year of 2019.
Recent Struggles and a Pivotal Moment
While the championship era remains a high point, the Raptors have faced considerable challenges in recent seasons. The team finished the most recent 2024-25 NBA regular season with a disappointing 30-52 record. This performance resulted in the franchise missing the NBA playoffs for the third consecutive year, a stark contrast to the success under Ujiri’s peak leadership.
His exit arrives at a critical juncture for the Raptors, who must now embark on a full search to find new leadership capable of navigating the team back to contention and revitalizing the roster.
Ujiri’s Future and Global Impact
At 54 years old, Ujiri is expected to be a highly sought-after executive on the NBA market. Known for his strategic mind and ability to build competitive teams, other franchises seeking experienced leadership will likely court him. He has previously been linked to other teams, notably the New York Knicks, whose owner James Dolan reportedly attempted to lure him away in 2019.
Before his successful run as an executive, Ujiri had a brief professional playing career in Europe following collegiate stints at Bismarck State College and Montana State. He began his front office path as an international scout with the Orlando Magic in 2008 before serving as the General Manager for the Denver Nuggets in 2011.
Beyond the NBA boardroom, Ujiri is widely recognized for his significant philanthropic efforts tied to Africa. He became the director of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program in 2003 and simultaneously founded his nonprofit organization, Giants of Africa, that same year in his hometown. Giants of Africa is dedicated to using basketball as a tool for development across the continent, hosting camps and building infrastructure in more than a dozen countries.
Masai Ujiri’s departure marks the end of an era for the Toronto Raptors, leaving behind a championship legacy while ushering in a period of uncertainty and the crucial task of identifying the team’s next leader.
