Masai Ujiri Parts Ways with Raptors After 13 Seasons, Ending a Championship Era
After 13 transformative seasons with the Toronto Raptors, Masai Ujiri has been dismissed from his role as team president and vice chairman, the organization announced Friday. Ujiri, who played a pivotal role in reshaping the franchise, led the Raptors to their first-ever NBA championship in 2019.
Ujiri originally joined the team in 2013 as executive vice president and general manager. He was promoted to president in 2016 and later passed GM duties to Bobby Webster in 2017.
Heading into the final year of his contract, the 54-year-old executive leaves behind a legacy of both on-court success and off-court leadership. “Masai has helped transform the organization on the court and has been an inspirational leader off it,” said Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment president and CEO Keith Pelley. “He brought an NBA championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city and in ourselves. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best.”
The decision comes just one day after the conclusion of the NBA Draft. The Raptors have announced that the search for Ujiri’s successor is already underway.
Meanwhile, Bobby Webster has signed a contract extension, though the terms were not disclosed. The Raptors, who finished last season with a 30–52 record and missed the playoffs, are continuing their rebuilding efforts.
“We are confident in the direction the team is heading,” Pelley added. “Under Bobby’s guidance, the Raptors have a clear plan for the future, and we trust in their ability to rebuild and thrive.”
