Dallas makes its move: Ujiri takes over as President and alternate governor

The Dallas Mavericks have filled their leadership void by appointing Masai Ujiri as team president and alternate governor, a move widely viewed as a major organizational reset. His arrival ends months of transition following the November dismissal of former general manager Nico Harrison, during which Matt Riccardi and Michael Finley jointly handled interim duties. Ujiri brings a decade of elite experience from his tenure with the Toronto Raptors, where he delivered the franchise’s first NBA title in 2019 and earned Executive of the Year honors in his debut season.

In a statement, he expressed excitement about joining a franchise with strong traditions and ambitious goals, emphasizing his commitment to building a contender in Dallas. The decision, strongly backed by governor Patrick Dumont, reflects the Mavericks’ desire to establish a world‑class culture. After parting ways with Toronto in 2025, Ujiri now returns to NBA leadership while continuing his involvement with the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo and their “Tempo Rising” mentorship initiative.