A lot of the conversation about this Raptors team, both now and looking ahead, focuses on how well they're set up to make a comeback and regain some form of postseason relevance.
While these discussions are completely valid, there's another crucial factor that could shape the future of the Toronto Raptors for years to come: the ownership status of the team.
As it currently stands, Larry Tanenbaum, the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE for short), remains the Raptors' governor—a role he has held since 1998, when he advocated for the purchase of the franchise, placing him in leadership positions for both Toronto's hockey and basketball teams.
In a recent ESPN article titled "How 7 draft lottery teams jump-start their rebuilds," renowned insider Brian Windhorst shared some intriguing insights about the Raptors. He highlighted the possibility of a change in Raptors ownership and what the future might look like under a new era:
"Of interest when evaluating the Raptors' short-term future is control of the franchise. Last fall, Edward Rogers, the chairman of Canadian firm Rogers Communications, executed a deal that increased the company's stake in the Raptors' parent company to 75%. Next year, he has the right to buy out current governor Larry Tannenbaum's ownership shares and have full control of the franchise. Just where the Raptors are when that transaction takes place is already a source of both intrigue around the NBA and stress within an organization missing its third straight postseason."Brian Windhorst, March 14, 2025
Reading that excerpt from the article, especially from a trusted source like Windhorst, is definitely worrying for Raptors fans everywhere. The team has had its share of ups and downs over the years, but Larry Tanenbaum has been a constant presence through it all. From the rocky moments to the unforgettable high of winning the 2019 NBA Finals and hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy, he’s witnessed it all.
A new leadership regime may be on the horizon for the Toronto Raptors
It’s also worth highlighting Tanenbaum’s solid rapport with Raptors GM Masai Ujiri. In a CBC article from September 2024, Ujiri had this to say: "In terms of Larry Tanenbaum, he's always been a mentor. He'll always be a mentor... These guys have treated me with respect here."
If the Raptors were to fall completely under Rogers' control, it could mark the end of Ujiri's storied tenure up north, truly signaling a new era—one that I don't think many in the Raptors community are willing to see unfold. The threat of "new owner syndrome" could seriously alter the Raptors' trajectory and put everything Ujiri has tried to build at risk, turning it into a tower that could come crashing down if ownership changes hands.
Say what you will about Ujiri's fluctuating levels of basketball business transactions, but the allure of the "Trust Masai" vision usually prevails in the eyes of many Raptors fans. It may not look perfect on the surface, but hopefully, it all plays out in the Raptors' favor—even if some moves from years past turned out to be duds.
You can bet that Rogers would be active in establishing their new vision for the Raptors, seemingly distancing the franchise from most, if not all, of the previous regime's signatures. The roster would certainly be anxious about where they could end up next, as even players like Scottie Barnes or Gradey Dick—who are currently seen as 'untouchables' under the existing ownership—would quickly lose that reassurance and have to work their way back into good graces.
Aside from the players, even the coaching staff and other front office executives could see a full overhaul of sorts to further usher in a fresh chapter. Darko Rajakovic? His days as the Raptors' head coach could be numbered.
Basketball fans have witnessed this kind of situation before. Just think back to the troubled times of the Brooklyn Nets in the early 2010s when Mikhail Prokhorov was at the helm, or more recently, the unfolding saga with the Phoenix Suns under Mat Ishbia's leadership.
A franchise can take a major step backward due to a new owner's mistakes or mismanagement, and the Toronto Raptors want to avoid being grouped with those well-known failures. A sense of worry is definitely warranted, but perhaps not a full-blown panic just yet.