Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) announced on Friday that Masai Ujiri, the executive who led the Toronto Raptors to their 2019 NBA championship, has been removed from his roles as president and vice-chairman of the team.
Ujiri, a 54-year-old executive holding British, Nigerian, Kenyan, and Canadian citizenship, was recognised as the NBA’s Executive of the Year in 2013 during his tenure with the Denver Nuggets, making him the only non-US recipient of the award.
Keith Pelley, MLSE President and CEO, acknowledged Ujiri’s significant impact: “During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organisation on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it. 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.”
However, the Raptors’ recent performance has been disappointing, with the team finishing 30-52 this past season, missing the NBA playoffs for the third consecutive year and fourth time in five seasons.
Their last playoff series win dates back to 2020. MLSE stated that a search for Ujiri’s successor as Raptors president, led by CAA Executive Search, would commence immediately as the franchise plans for its future and a return to the playoffs.
This decision comes just a day after the NBA Draft and precedes the start of NBA free agency next week.
The Raptors confirmed they would retain key front office personnel, including general manager Bobby Webster, who has received a contract extension with undisclosed terms.
Pelley expressed confidence in Webster and his team, stating, “We are confident that the Raptors organisation, under the guidance of Bobby and his team, is in a great place. 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.”
He added, “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.”
Ujiri’s basketball career began on the court in Europe, including a stint with England’s Derby Rams, before he transitioned into scouting for the Orlando Magic and Denver Nuggets.
He joined the Raptors in 2008 as global scouting director and later became assistant general manager. In 2010, he returned to Denver as executive vice president and general manager, becoming the first African general manager in major American sports.
After leading the Nuggets to a club-record 57 wins in the 2012-13 season and earning the league’s top executive honour, Ujiri signed with the Raptors in May 2013 as executive vice president and general manager.
