TORONTO – In a move that has rattled the NBA landscape, the Toronto Raptors and Masai Ujiri have ended a partnership that defined an era. The news, first confirmed by ESPN, comes just hours after the conclusion of this year’s NBA Draft. For many, the abrupt nature of the decision by the Raptors only deepens the mystery around the future of Masai Ujiri and the franchise he built.
BREAKING! Raptors Part Ways With Masai Ujiri
A Sudden End to a Defining Tenure
Shams Charania of ESPN first reported the story on X, “BREAKING: Masai Ujiri is out as Vice Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors.” Shams added that Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment and Ujiri “decided to part ways” despite Ujiri having a year left on his contract.
“He brought an NBA Championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city, and ourselves. We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best. As we plan for the franchise’s future, and its return to the NBA Playoffs, a search for the successor as president of the Raptors, led by CAA Executive Search, will begin immediately.” MLSE President & CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement later on Friday morning.
The Raptors chose a stunning moment to make this move public: the day after the NBA Draft. Teams usually settle their front offices before draft night to present a united front for offseason plans. Instead, the Raptors front office now looks unrecognizable without Masai Ujiri at the helm.
BREAKING: Masai Ujiri is out as Vice Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JIXUMUXz55
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 27, 2025
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
Behind the Decision
Footboom1.com pointed out that while neither Ujiri nor the team gave a clear reason for the split, signs of a brewing shake-up were there. “The timing of Ujiri’s departure is not coincidental,” they wrote. He noted major shifts inside Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the Raptors’ parent company. Bell Canada pulled back its stake while Rogers Communications tightened its hold.
This reshuffle followed the exits of Brendan Shanahan and Bill Manning—leaving Ujiri as the last high-level president still standing before this week’s news.
Another powerful figure, Larry Tanenbaum, had long been a strong supporter of Ujiri’s influence in Toronto. His own exit last year likely made Ujiri’s grip weaker.
The Raptors’ Decline After Glory
When Ujiri joined Toronto in 2013, the Raptors lacked identity on the global stage. By the time he leaves, they are a recognized brand with a championship banner no one thought possible.
Ujiri’s defining moment came in 2018 when he traded DeMar DeRozan, Jakob Poeltl and a first-round pick for Kawhi Leonard. That risky gamble paid off in the biggest way. The Raptors defeated the Golden State Warriors in six games to win the 2019 NBA Finals. Leonard left for the Clippers that summer, and the Raptors never recaptured that championship form.
Recent years brought more pain. The team missed the playoffs for three straight seasons. They finished 30-52 this year. Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Fred VanVleet, who once powered Toronto’s deep runs, now star for other teams.
Still Drafting Well, Even at the End
Despite the Raptors’ struggles, Masai Ujiri never lost his knack for finding young talent. He drafted Scottie Barnes in 2021, Gradey Dick in 2023, and just this week oversaw the selections of Collin Murray-Boyles and Alijah Martin.
Ujiri’s exit has stirred a cauldron of curiosity around the NBA. He was the first African general manager in any major North American sport and the NBA’s Executive of the Year in Denver before his Toronto chapter.
What Comes Next for Ujiri and Toronto
Rumors already swirl about what comes next for Ujiri. Before his exit, Toronto reportedly tried to land Kevin Durant from Phoenix but missed out when he went to Houston. With a young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Brandon Ingram, Immanuel Quickley, and Jakob Poeltl, the Raptors remain hopeful they can return to the postseason soon.
Whatever happens, Ujiri’s legacy is secure. Toronto will always remember the championship parade down Lake Shore Boulevard. More details will emerge in the days ahead, but one thing is clear now: Ujiri changed basketball in Canada forever.
© Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
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