The Toronto Raptors announced the firing of Nigerian/Kenyan/American Masai Ujiri, their president and vice chairman, after 13 years with the organization. Ujiri, 54, joined the Raptors in 2013 as executive vice president and general manager, later becoming president in 2016 while passing GM duties to Bobby Webster in 2017. His leadership culminated in the Raptors’ sole NBA championship in 2019.
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment CEO Keith Pelley praised Ujiri’s transformative impact, noting his role in securing the championship and inspiring the city of Toronto.
“We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best,” Pelley said. Ujiri was in the final year of his contract, and the team will immediately begin searching for his replacement.
The announcement followed the NBA draft’s conclusion. The Raptors also extended Bobby Webster’s contract as GM, though details were not disclosed. After a 30-52 season and missing the playoffs, Pelley expressed confidence in Webster’s leadership to guide the team’s ongoing rebuild.
“They have a plan in place for next season and beyond,” Pelley stated, optimistic about the franchise’s future.
