Masai Ujiri Denies Friction with Edward Rogers Amid MLSE Stake Acquisition
Toronto Raptors President, Masai Ujiri, addressed ongoing speculation about his relationship with Edward Rogers, Executive Chair of Rogers Communications Inc., during the Raptors’ media day ahead of the preseason training camp. Ujiri was quick to dismiss any rumors of tension, particularly following the recent announcement that Rogers Communications would acquire BCE Inc.’s 37.5% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) for $4.7 billion.
“I want to set the record straight here: business continues as usual,” Ujiri said, emphasizing that he and Rogers have maintained the same working relationship for the past decade. “We have a great relationship. We’ve had the same exact relationship for 10 years.”
The rumors stem from reports dating back to 2021, which suggested that Edward Rogers had opposed the re-signing of Ujiri as vice chairman and president of basketball operations for the Raptors, claiming Ujiri wasn’t worth the financial investment. However, Ujiri was quick to address this, comparing the negotiation process to common workplace challenges.
“People talk about negotiating. Yeah, those periods are tough,” Ujiri said, even joking about tough negotiations he had with his young son that very morning. “This is life, and we all go through this. I want to make it clear: Edward Rogers has never treated me any differently.”
With Ujiri’s contract reportedly expiring in 2026, he remains focused on the Raptors’ future, despite the team entering a rebuilding phase after a challenging 25-57 season in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
Ujiri also praised MLSE Chairman Larry Tanenbaum, calling him a mentor and reinforcing the respectful relationship he has with both Rogers and Tanenbaum. The two key figures are part of MLSE’s complex ownership structure, which includes Kilmer Sports Inc. and OMERS, a Canadian pension fund that bought a stake in MLSE in 2023 for $400 million.
Ujiri took time to clear up other rumors, including speculation that he and Rogers were at odds over bringing a WNBA franchise to Toronto. “Every time something comes up, it’s ‘Masai versus Edward.’ Any small thing that comes up—clear that. There’s nothing. Zero going on. OK?”
Ujiri’s media day session took an emotional turn as news broke of the passing of NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo. Visibly moved, Ujiri paid tribute to the man who had been an immense influence on him and African players in the NBA. “Who are we without Dikembe Mutombo? Not possible,” Ujiri said. “He made us who we are. It’s really hard to believe.”
As Ujiri laid to rest rumors of internal conflict, he also reaffirmed his commitment to the Raptors and their future, signaling a unified front between MLSE’s leadership and the team’s plans.
Source: The Canadian Press
