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Masai Ujiri is a prominent figure in professional basketball, known for his role as the former president of the Toronto Raptors. He gained recognition for building a championship team that won the NBA title in 2019. Ujiri is celebrated for his talent in player evaluation and strategic decision-making. After being fired from the Raptors in 2025, he joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, a new WNBA franchise, signaling his continued commitment to basketball in Toronto.
The WNBA expansion draft is an event that allows newly established teams to select players from existing teams to build their rosters. This process helps new franchises, like the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, acquire talent as they prepare for their inaugural seasons. Each new team can choose players from a pool of unprotected athletes from other teams, giving them a chance to create competitive squads right from the start.
An expansion draft allows new teams to select players from existing teams' rosters. Each current team protects a certain number of players, while the remaining unprotected players are available for selection. New teams take turns picking players, which helps them build competitive rosters quickly. The process aims to balance the league by ensuring that new teams can field competent squads without depleting existing ones excessively.
The 2026 WNBA expansion draft involves two new franchises: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. Both teams are looking to establish themselves in the league by selecting players from existing teams. This draft is critical for their initial roster construction and overall competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Masai Ujiri’s involvement as a principal owner of the Toronto Tempo could significantly influence the team's direction and success. His extensive experience in player development and strategic management, demonstrated during his tenure with the Raptors, positions him to make informed decisions regarding team building, player acquisitions, and overall franchise operations, aiming for immediate competitiveness in the WNBA.
In the 2026 WNBA expansion draft, the Toronto Tempo selected several key players, including guard Julie Allemand as their first pick. They also acquired notable players like Nyara Sabally and Aaliyah Nye, focusing on building a balanced roster that includes both veterans and emerging talents to ensure a competitive start in their inaugural season.
The WNBA has undergone several expansions since its inception in 1996, with new teams added to increase the league's footprint and popularity. Notable expansions occurred in 2000, 2003, and 2018, with teams like the Atlanta Dream and Las Vegas Aces joining the league. The 2026 expansion introduces the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, marking a new chapter in the league's growth, particularly in international markets.
As a new franchise, the Toronto Tempo's roster is still being constructed and will initially lack the depth and experience of established teams. However, their selections in the expansion draft, including talented players like Julie Allemand and Nyara Sabally, aim to create a competitive team. Comparatively, established teams have more experienced players and cohesive chemistry, which the Tempo will need to develop over time.
New franchises like the Toronto Tempo face several challenges, including building a competitive roster, establishing fan engagement, and creating a strong team culture. They must navigate the complexities of the expansion draft and player acquisitions while also managing expectations from fans and the league. Additionally, they need to secure financial stability and marketing strategies to attract fans and sponsors.
Owners play a crucial role in a sports franchise's success by influencing strategic decisions, financial investments, and overall vision. They are responsible for hiring key personnel, including general managers and coaches, and guiding the team's direction. Effective ownership can lead to better player acquisitions, community engagement, and ultimately, on-court success, as seen in Ujiri's previous work with the Raptors.
