Toronto Raptors Have Parted Ways With President Vice Chairman Masai Ujiri

He’s been with the team since 2013 and helped to change the culture of the organization. Even the way the Canadian basketball market was viewed changed with his “We the North” mantra. However, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment announced Friday that the Toronto Raptors have parted ways with president and vice-chairman Masai Ujiri. NBA Insider Shams Charania posted about the announcement on x.com:

“Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Masai Ujiri have decided to part ways, as Ujiri was entering the final year of his contract, sources tell ESPN.”

While the team will commence a search for a new president, the Raptors front office leadership remains in place with extensions for key personnel including general manager Bobby Webster. Per team policy, terms of the deals will not be released. And they also released the following statement about Ujiri:

“During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it,” said MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley. “He brought an NBA Championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city, and ourselves. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best. As we plan for the franchise’s future, and its return to the NBA Playoffs, a search for the successor as president of the Raptors, led by CAA Executive Search, will begin immediately.”

“We are confident that the Raptors organization, under the guidance of Bobby and his team, is in a great place,” Pelley said. “They have a plan in place for next season and beyond as the team continues its rebuild, and we have confidence in their ability to execute and ultimately, to excel. We feel the team is in a strong, stable place, and we believe the addition of a new president will continue to move the Raptors forward, towards our next NBA championship.”

Toronto Raptors Have Parted Ways With President Vice Chairman Masai Ujiri

Despite Ujiri entering the final year of his contract, why would the team cut ties with such an influential figure? Toronto Raptors NBA Beat Reporter Josh Lewenberg offered his perspective on the situation stating:

“The Raptors were an NBA afterthought when Ujiri took over in 2013. 5yr playoff drought. 1 playoff series win in their existence. Every star they ever had forced their way out. Since: 8 playoff appearances, 9 series wins, 1 championship. He completely reshaped their culture/image.”

“The last 5yrs have been bumpy. 171-229 record. 1 playoff appearance. Missteps & poor asset management/internal development. Rival execs have described Ujiri as being “hard to deal with” citing his ego. It was time for a change & writing was on the wall with MLSE ownership shuffle.”

“Ujiri was already one of the highest paid execs in sports. Not specific to Masai, but pretty clear MLSE/Rogers don’t think anybody is worth that kind of $ in that position. Safe bet the next Raptors president will make a fraction of what he did.”

So, as is often the case, the separation comes down to money. No matter what Ujiri had done for the organization previously, they no longer felt the value was there. Therefore, after 13 seasons with the Raptors, Ujiri will have to find a new home.

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