Giants of Africa and Toronto Tempo Launch “Tempo Rising” Global Coaching Mentorship Program

Giants of Africa, in collaboration with the Toronto Tempo of the WNBA, has officially launched Tempo Rising, an innovative global coaching mentorship program designed to develop the next generation of women-identifying and non-binary basketball leaders. The program is spearheaded by Masai Ujiri, founder of Giants of Africa and Principal Owner of the Toronto Tempo. 

Tempo Rising reflects more than two decades of Masai Ujiri’s commitment to empowering communities through sport. By connecting emerging coaches with experienced basketball leaders, the program aims to address long-standing gaps in access, representation, and leadership development within the global basketball ecosystem. 

The six-month mentorship program offers one-to-one mentorship, hands-on learning opportunities, and access to a global coaching network. Selected participants receive grant support toward education and licensing, participate in quarterly group learning sessions, and engage in ongoing coaching development opportunities supported by the Toronto Tempo and Giants of Africa. 

Tempo Rising is focused on supporting coaches at the introduction-to-competitive level who are already making an impact in their communities. Eligible applicants include women-identifying and non-binary coaches who are Canadian residents or Giants of Africa Festival coaches, with the program structured to be largely virtual to ensure global accessibility. 

By investing in coaching leadership, Tempo Rising strengthens the foundation of the women’s game globally. The initiative reinforces Giants of Africa’s belief that sustainable change in sport begins with equipped, confident leaders who can create safe, inclusive, and high-quality environments for future generations of athletes. 

Tempo Rising represents a strategic alignment between a global grassroots organization and a professional women’s basketball franchise, demonstrating how partnerships across levels of the sport can accelerate equity, leadership, and long-term impact worldwide.