On June 27, 2025, the Toronto Raptors announced the departure of their esteemed team president and vice-chairman Masai Ujiri, marking the end of their most successful period in franchise history. Masai’s 13-year tenure saw the team win their first NBA title with a six-game victory over Golden State, as well as five Atlantic Division titles, their first appearance in the Eastern Conference finals, and a record number of wins in a single season.

For now, Masai is focusing on his charity organization, Giants of Africa, which he founded in 2003. It uses basketball as a tool to empower and uplift African youth and create opportunities for them on and off the court. The organization’s signature event, the Giants of Africa Festival is taking place in Kigali, Rwanda from July 26 to August 2, 2025, and will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations. Former Raptor and NBA champion Kawhi Leonard will be joining Masai in Rwanda to mentor youth campers, open a new basketball court at St. Ignatius School, and host a special clinic for 50 local youth in one of Kigali’s most underserved districts.

Building a Basketball Legacy

Masai began his NBA career on the ground as a scout, searching for talent all over the globe. He was named general manager of the Denver Nuggets in 2011 — becoming the first African-born GM in pro sports — and won the Executive of the Year award in 2013. Masai served as director of global scouting and assistant general manager to the Raptors before taking the role as president in 2013, adding the role of Vice-Chairman in 2021.

Masai’s bold leadership established a foundation of consistent success for the Raptors. From the start, he demonstrated a willingness to make daring, sometimes controversial moves. His early decision to trade fan favourite Andrea Bargnani opened the door for Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan to flourish, with the Raptors reaching the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2020. But it was his most audacious move — trading the beloved DeRozan for Kawhi Leonard in 2018 — that would cement his legacy.

The Kawhi trade was risky, given the superstar’s injury history and the fact that he had only one year left on his contract, but it paid off spectacularly. Leonard led the Raptors to their first NBA championship in 2019, a defining cultural moment not only for Toronto but Canada as a whole.

Bold Leadership

With the announcement of his departure, Masai released a farewell video to his fans sharing what these past 13 years have meant to him. He started by saying, “Toronto, Canada, I love you. The country that welcomed me, the city that became home. This bond we share will last forever. As I look back at more than a decade of heartfelt moments, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.”

While reflecting on the triumphs and opportunities ahead, Masai’s video revealed the depth of his leadership philosophy. As a sought-after keynote speaker, he draws from both his championship experience with the Raptors and his two decades leading Giants of Africa to demonstrate how authentic leadership creates winning cultures on and off the court. His approach centers on lifting up those around him and developing the next generation of leaders, with particular emphasis on equity and inclusion as cornerstones of strong and sustainable organizations.

“My goal has always been to win, to make change that transforms the landscape so that young leaders can rise,” Masai said in the video.

“Through tragedies, through lockdowns and protests,” he continued later on, “we begin to understand the value of humanity, of seeing each other, one people, without bias or judgment. My perspective has evolved, and my mindset has grown. New directions and new challenges await. Voices must be heard, stories must be told, journeys of resilience, of triumph, of truth, let us document the power of humane experience for the whole world to see. The strength of women, barriers breaking. I’m proud that our Raptors staff reflected the talent of every woman, ones who should always be recognized.”

A Legacy in Motion

As Masai begins a new chapter outside of the Raptors, his impact will continue to ripple outward. His approach to leadership emphasizes the power of believing in others’ potential and creating pathways for them to succeed. Whether it was developing Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan into All-Stars, championing diversity in NBA front offices, or creating opportunities for countless young athletes through Giants of Africa, Masai’s legacy lies in the leaders he’s helped create.

In his farewell video, Masi hinted that his connection to Toronto’s basketball community isn’t over, mentioning he’ll be present when the Toronto Tempo make their WNBA debut. “My dreams of a second championship are alive and well,” he said. “And that pursuit will surely carry on as my next chapter begins.”

While the championship banner in Scotiabank Arena will forever mark his professional achievement, his lasting legacy will be measured in the lives changed and communities transformed through his work. From the courts of Kigali to the boardrooms of Toronto, Masai has shown that true leadership isn’t just about winning games — it’s about empowering others to reach and fulfill their potential.

Hire Masai Ujiri to Speak at Your Event

Masai Ujiri brings championship-level insights on leadership, culture building, and creating lasting impact and shows audiences how bold decisions and empowering others create winning organizations.

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