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Masai Ujiri is a prominent basketball executive known for his role as the president of the Toronto Raptors from 2013 until 2025. He gained recognition for building a championship-winning team, leading the Raptors to their first NBA title in 2019. Ujiri is also noted for his advocacy for social justice and his efforts to promote basketball in Africa.
The WNBA expansion draft is an event where newly established teams select players from existing teams to build their rosters. In 2026, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will participate in this draft, allowing them to choose players who are not protected by their current teams, enabling them to create competitive squads from scratch.
In the expansion draft, each existing WNBA team can protect a certain number of players from being selected. The new teams, like the Toronto Tempo, then take turns choosing from the unprotected players. This process helps new franchises quickly build competitive teams by acquiring talent from the league's existing player pool.
The 2026 WNBA expansion draft includes the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire as the two newest franchises. Both teams aim to establish themselves in the league by selecting players to fill their rosters during this draft, which is a pivotal moment in their development.
Masai Ujiri served as the president of basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors. During his tenure, he was instrumental in shaping the team's identity, making key trades, and hiring coaches. His most notable achievement was leading the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019, which significantly raised the profile of basketball in Canada.
The Toronto Tempo aims to build a competitive team in the WNBA and establish a strong fan base in Toronto. With Masai Ujiri as a principal owner, the team is focused on winning and making a significant impact in their inaugural season, signaling their intention to compete at a high level from the outset.
The ownership group of the Toronto Tempo includes notable figures such as Larry Tanenbaum, a board member of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, tennis star Serena Williams, and Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson. This diverse group brings a wealth of experience and influence to the franchise, enhancing its potential for success.
Masai Ujiri's experience and reputation in basketball can significantly influence the Toronto Tempo's success. His track record in building winning teams, understanding player dynamics, and engaging with the community can attract talent and foster a strong organizational culture, positioning the Tempo for competitive success in the WNBA.
The 2026 WNBA expansion draft is scheduled for April 3, 2026. This event marks a critical point for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire as they begin to assemble their inaugural rosters and set the foundation for their future in the league.
New franchises like the Toronto Tempo face several challenges, including building a competitive roster, establishing a fan base, and navigating the existing dynamics of the league. They must also create effective marketing strategies to engage the community and secure sponsorships while fostering team chemistry among newly acquired players.
