Ujiri Makes Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential Figures In Sports 2026’

Masai Ujiri, one of Africa’s most prominent sports executives and a trailblazer in global basketball administration, has been named in Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in Sports 2026” list.

The Nigerian-raised executive joins an illustrious group of sporting personalities recognised for their impact on and off the field, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, NBA superstar Stephen Curry, women’s tennis world number one Aryna Sabalenka, golfer Nelly Korda, Formula One rising star Kimi Antonelli, and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.

In its Tuesday citation, Time highlighted Ujiri’s remarkable influence in basketball management and sports development, noting his recent appointment as president of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.

The publication noted that Ujiri joined the ownership group of the WNBA expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo, before taking up the high-profile leadership role with the Mavericks.

“In May, less than two months after Masai Ujiri joined the ownership group of the WNBA expansion franchise, the Toronto Tempo, the Dallas Mavericks named him their new president, the latest stop for one of the most admired executives in sports,” Time wrote.

The magazine also referenced Ujiri’s ambition to build a championship-winning team around 2026 NBA Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, quoting the executive’s memorable remark during his introductory press conference: “We have a little prince here. Now we’re going to turn him into a king.”

Ujiri’s inclusion on the prestigious list reflects a career marked by innovation, bold decision-making and a commitment to expanding opportunities in sport.

Born in England and raised in Nigeria, Ujiri remains the only non-American to have won the NBA Executive of the Year Award, receiving the honour in 2013 during his tenure as General Manager of the Denver Nuggets.

That same year, he took charge of the Toronto Raptors, where he orchestrated one of the most significant moves in franchise history. Ahead of the 2018–19 season, Ujiri sanctioned the controversial trade that sent fan favourite DeMar DeRozan away in exchange for Kawhi Leonard. The decision ultimately transformed the franchise, with the Raptors securing their first-ever NBA championship in 2019.

Beyond his achievements in professional basketball, Ujiri has played a pivotal role in promoting sports development across Africa. As a former director of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders Africa programme and co-founder of the Zaria Group, he has helped drive initiatives focused on sports infrastructure, youth development and talent identification across the continent.

His influence extends beyond basketball. In 2025, he was appointed a United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, recognising his efforts to harness the power of sport as a tool for education, social inclusion and sustainable development.