The Toronto Raptors have promoted general manager Bobby Webster to replace Masai Ujiri as the team’s head of basketball operations, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania:
Just in: The Toronto Raptors are appointing general manager Bobby Webster as the team’s head of basketball operations and the sides have reached a new contract, sources tell ESPN. Webster joined the Raptors in 2013 as Masai Ujiri’s first hire and now lands the top executive role. pic.twitter.com/LQ1y6BvNH0
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2025
The Raptors spent almost two months looking at external options to replace Ujiri but ultimately they settled on staying in-house.
There was an extensive search done before this decision was made. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment connected with a few candidates such as Chicago Bulls general manager Marc Eversley, Indiana Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan, former Raptors coach Dwane Casey, Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair and Pacers president Kevin Pritchard, per Sportsnet’s Michael Grange.
Webster has been part of the Raptors organization since 2013 and he has been general manager since 2017. He is entering his 9th season as general manager and his 13th with the Raptors. Webster played a major role in the 2018 trade for Kawhi Leonard that helped the team win the 2019 NBA championship. He has also been instrumental in the Raptors roster building and every day operations.
“Going through this comprehensive process this summer and meeting with external candidates played a critical role in arriving at this decision as it made clear that we already have the right person leading the Raptors in-house,” MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley said in a statement. “When we weighed the many considerations, including roster construction, team culture and competitive landscape, it made perfect sense to officially hand the team to Bobby and give him the time and support to allow his plan to develop. This team is his now, to lead and I know we all look forward to what comes next.”
This is an exciting opportunity for Webster who has been under Ujiri’s wing and now has a chance to create his own lasting legacy with the franchise.
“I’m grateful to Keith, to the board, and to our ownership for this opportunity – the chance to continue the work that I love, for a team, a city, and country that’s become home,” Webster said. “The things that are important to me – a deep love for basketball, thoughtful and empowering leadership, and a competitive fire – are the pillars of who I am as a leader. That’s what you’ll see from me every day. This is a new chapter in Raptors basketball, but one thing that will not change is our passion for winning, and our goal to bring another championship to Toronto.”
The Raptors have confirmed they will not appoint a president at this time.
Raptors 2025-26 regular season schedule
The Toronto Raptors will open up its 2025-26 regular season on the road against the Atlanta Hawks on Oct. 22.
This will mark only the 7th time in the Raptors’ 31-year history that they will open the season on the road and it will be the first time since 2011.
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