Who Is Masai Ujiri? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Masai Ujiri was born on July 7, 1970, in Tin City, Nigeria. As of 2025, he is 54 years old. A prominent figure in the basketball realm, Ujiri is known for being the president of the Toronto Raptors in the NBA, where he has made significant contributions to the team's success. His journey from Nigeria to becoming a respected sports executive in Canada is marked by determination and passion for basketball.
| Occupation | Basketball Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 7, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Bournemouth, England |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | Nigeria |
Popularity
Masai Ujiri's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details regarding Masai Ujiri's height and weight may vary over time, he is estimated to be around 6 feet 3 inches (190 cm) tall, which is advantageous in the sports world. His fit and athletic build are indicative of his active lifestyle and commitment to health, although precise weight measurements are often undisclosed.
On June 13, 2019, just after the Toronto Raptors had clinched a 4–2 series win over the Golden State Warriors in the 2019 NBA Finals, Ujiri was captured on video in an altercation with an Alameda County Sheriff deputy. Sgt.
Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department, alleged that Ujiri failed to show proper credentials for access to the floor. Sgt. Kelly further alleged that when stopped, Ujiri had shoved a sheriff's deputy, that the deputy had made contact in response, and that Ujiri shoved the deputy back and made contact with his face.
Several bystanders and Oracle Arena security personnel intervened to separate the two. After a tense staredown between the men, Ujiri was restrained from approaching the deputy. Raptors player Kyle Lowry then came over to Ujiri and escorted him onto the court to celebrate with the team.
Alternate angles of the incident appear to show Ujiri shouting in the direction of the deputy with his arm around Lowry after making his way onto the court.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Masai Ujiri is a private individual when it comes to his personal life. As of 2025, he is reportedly in a relationship, though the identity of his girlfriend remains undisclosed. Ujiri has a family that he keeps out of the media spotlight, which adds to his enigmatic persona. His previous relationships and any significant others are typically kept from public scrutiny, allowing him to focus primarily on his career.
His parents were foreign students in England. With the family moving back to Nigeria when he was two years old, he grew up in Zaria, Nigeria. Ujiri's father, a hospital administrator and nursing educator, is an Isoko from Aviara in Isoko south local government area of Delta state, while his mother, a doctor, is a Kenyan from Machakos County.
He originally played association football as a youth before stating his interest in basketball as a 13-year-old playing with friends on outdoor basketball courts in northern Nigeria. This interest was fed by American sports magazines and VHS tapes of NBA games or basketball movies. He admired Hakeem Olajuwon, a former NBA star who is also Nigerian.
Net Worth and Salary
As a highly regarded sports executive, Masai Ujiri's net worth is estimated to be in the range of $10 million to $20 million as of 2025. His salary as president of the Toronto Raptors is believed to be substantial, reflecting his impactful role in the NBA. These figures stem not only from his salary but also from endorsements, public appearances, and prior roles within basketball management.
Jeff Weltman, then a young executive with the Denver Nuggets, introduced Ujiri to Nuggets general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, who then hired Ujiri on salary as an international scout. After four seasons there, he was hired away by Bryan Colangelo of the Toronto Raptors as their Director of Global Scouting. Ujiri became the Raptors' assistant general manager in 2008.
Career, Business, and Investments
Ujiri's career began in scouting and with various international basketball teams before making his mark in the NBA. He became the first African general manager in NBA history when he assumed the role for the Toronto Raptors. His strategic decisions led the Raptors to their first NBA Championship in 2019, solidifying his reputation as an innovative leader. Ujiri is also involved in various philanthropic efforts and is known for his commitment to developing basketball in Africa, showcasing his dedication to the sport beyond business.
After a modest professional playing career in Europe, Ujiri became a scout in 2002, first for the Orlando Magic and then the Denver Nuggets. In 2008, he joined the backroom staff of the Toronto Raptors.
Ujiri returned to the Nuggets in 2010 as general manager and executive vice president of basketball operations, and helped turn the team's fortunes around, returning them to the playoffs. As a result, he was named the NBA Executive of the Year in 2013. The following season, Ujiri returned to the Raptors as general manager.
In the summer of 2016, Masai Ujiri relinquished his title as general manager to Jeff Weltman and accepted the position of president of basketball operations. Weltman was later succeeded by Bobby Webster as general manager a year later.
As president, Ujiri worked to usher in a period of sustained success, helping the team win its first NBA championship in 2019.
Social Network
Masai Ujiri is active on social networks, using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with fans and share updates about his professional endeavors. He often promotes initiatives related to basketball development and community engagement, leveraging his public platform to inspire future generations of athletes.
Ujiri returned to the Nuggets in 2010, as general manager and executive vice president in charge of basketball operations. With this post, Ujiri became the first African general manager in major American sports.
After putting together a Nuggets’ roster that won 57 games, the most in Denver's NBA history, Ujiri was named the 2013 NBA Executive of the Year. He is the only non-American ever to win the award.
Education
Masai Ujiri attended Bismarck State College in North Dakota, where he played basketball before transferring to the University of South Florida to continue his education. His educational background, complemented by years of practical experience in the basketball industry, has been instrumental in shaping his successful career.
