The Toronto Raptors parted ways with team president and vice chairman Masai Ujiri on Friday after 13 seasons.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment made the move with one year remaining on Ujiri’s contract.
Ujiri, 54, has been identified as a candidate in Atlanta’s search for a president of basketball operations, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein.
After being named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2013 with the Denver Nuggets, Ujiri joined the Raptors as executive vice president and general manager. Six years later, Toronto won the franchise’s lone NBA title by defeating the Golden State Warriors in six games.
“During his 13 seasons with the Raptors, Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it,” MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley said. “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 … will begin immediately.”
Ujiri helped to set up Toronto’s title run by acquiring star Kawhi Leonard and sharpshooter Danny Green during the summer of 2018.
After making the playoffs eight times in nine seasons from 2014-22, the Raptors missed the postseason in each of the last three campaigns. They finished the 2024-25 season with a 30-52 record.
The Raptors also announced extensions for general manager Bobby Webster and other front office personnel, but no terms were disclosed.
“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.”
–Field Level Media
