It was officially confirmed on Friday, June 27, 2025, that Masai Ujiri and the Toronto Raptors have parted ways, marking the end of his remarkable tenure as the team’s president. This decision coincides with Ujiri entering the final year of his contract.
The departure comes amidst significant changes across Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). Brendan Shanahan was released from his role with the Maple Leafs in May 2025, following Bill Manning’s exit from Toronto FC and Argonauts in 2023.
MLSE announced the signing of a new contract with Bobby Webster, the Raptors’ general manager, who handles player acquisitions. However, specific terms of the agreement remain undisclosed.
On Wednesday, prior to the NBA Draft, Ujiri was spotted at the OVO Athletic Centre, a hallmark of his professionalism and dedication. Engaging with journalists in the media zone, Ujiri bid farewell with the same integrity that defined his leadership.
Masai Ujiri first joined the Raptors in 2008 as an assistant general manager before leading operations at Denver Nuggets. He returned to Toronto as president of basketball operations in 2013, transforming the franchise into a championship-winning powerhouse.
In 2019, Ujiri cemented his legacy with bold decisions, such as trading DeMar DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard and appointing Nick Nurse as head coach over Dwane Casey. These changes culminated in Raptors clinching their first-ever NBA championship that year, immortalizing Ujiri’s strategy and vision.
Under Ujiri’s leadership, the Raptors appeared in the playoffs consistently from the 2013-14 to 2019-20 seasons. Even after Kawhi Leonard’s departure to Los Angeles Clippers, the team held strong, boasting the second-best record in the 2019-20 NBA season but ultimately falling to Boston Celtics in Orlando’s playoff “bubble.”
The team began a decline as star players departed. Kyle Lowry left via a sign-and-trade deal to Miami, Fred VanVleet joined Houston as a free agent, and both Pascal Siakam and O.G. Anunoby were traded before the 2023-24 season’s transfer window closure. This left Chris Boucher as the sole player from the 2019 championship roster.
During the 2023-24 season, the Raptors won just 25 games out of 82, followed by only 30 victories the next year, signifying the challenges of rebuilding for future success.
Ujiri’s impact extends beyond the NBA. Celebrated across Africa, his Giants of Africa initiative empowers youth through basketball, promoting talent and growth. His efforts have positioned him as a global leader in sports philanthropy, recognized for his transparency and unyielding commitment to development.
Ujiri recently revealed that the Giants of Africa festival is set to return to Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2, 2025. Promising to unite thousands of youths across Africa, the festival will feature performances by prominent artists including The Ben, Kevin Kade, Chriss Eazy, Timaya, Kizz Daniel, and more.
Masai Ujiri officially departs Toronto Raptors following over a decade of visionary leadership, placing the team on the map with their historic NBA title in 2019.
From guiding the Raptors to NBA glory to expanding Giants of Africa across the continent, Ujiri’s legacy stands as a testament to his impactful contributions to basketball and global leadership.