Canada’s only NBA team just lost one of its most important figures.
What happened: The Toronto Raptors have “parted ways” with vice-chairman and team president Masai Ujiri, who led the front office for the past 13 seasons. It’s a shocking development, as Ujiri still had one year left on his contract, with the offseason just beginning.
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Ujiri reportedly knew his tenure was over at the beginning of June but stayed on through the NBA draft. The team is now searching for a replacement, with general manager Bobby Webster, who just got a contract extension, under consideration.
Catch-up: Under Ujiri, the Raptors had the most sustained success in team history. Not only did he construct the roster that won the 2019 NBA Championship — including pulling off the legendary trade for Kawhi Leonard — but built the franchise’s culture from the ground up.
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Pre-Ujiri, the Raptors were seen as one of the league’s bottomfeeders. Today, it’s seen as a top organization with one of the most passionate fan bases in the league.
Big picture: Ujiri and Edward Rogers, the chairman of the Raptors ownership group MLSE, didn’t get along. But it's MLSE CEO Keith Pelley claiming responsibility for Ujiri’s exit. If true, it’s another example of Pelley asserting his dominance since taking on the role last year.
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The MLSE-owned Toronto Maple Leafs axed president Brendan Shanahan last month, which some viewed as a power grab by Pelley to exercise more control.
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Bill Manning, the former president of MLSE’s Toronto FC and Toronto Argonauts, was also cut loose last year.
Why it matters: It’s already hard for Canadian teams to attract top talent, both in the front office and on the playing field. Ownership that meddles too much might worsen this struggle and could make Canada’s preeminent sports ownership group a black sheep.—QH