Toronto Raptors President and Vice-Chairman Masai Ujiri, is parting ways with the team ahead of his contract expiration, leaving fans upset and confused.
Reports of his departure with Maple Leafs and Sports Entertainment surfaced on Friday morning.
MLSE President and CEO Keith Pelley confirmed the news in a statement where he called Ujiri an inspirational leader during his 13 seasons with the team.
“He brought an NBA championship to Toronto and urged us to believe in this city and ourselves,” Pelly said. “We are grateful for all he has done and wish him and his family the very best.”
Ujiri’s contract was entering into its final year as President and Vice-Chair of the NBA franchise, and the news comes following the 2025 NBA draft pick earlier this week.
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The news has left many sports fans feeling confused and disappointed.
“Terrible move by Toronto,” an X user said.
“He Helped us become a franchise of a standard most of us never dreamed would be possible.Very decent chance we’re headed back to the true dark ages,” a Reddit user said.
“End of the greatest era of Raptors history. No matter how we felt about some of his moves, man will be universally loved by the Raptor base and we’ll be forever thankful,” another user said.
Many sports fans have taken to social media to question why the move was made after the NBA draft, while others question whether or not the decision was unanimous. Earlier this month also marked six years since the Raptors won the championship.
@nowtoronto Six years ago, the streets of #Toronto were filled with ecstatic fans celebrating the Raptors' historic 2019 NBA Championship win. #TorontoRaptors #2019Championship #Parade ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
MLSE says the search for a new president will begin immediately.
