Terdema Ussery
Terdema L. Ussery II | |
|---|---|
| Born | Terdema Lamar Ussery II December 4, 1958 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Princeton University (AB) Harvard University (MPA) UC Berkeley School of Law (JD) Yale University (MAR) |
| Occupation(s) | Business executive, attorney, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | Professional sports management; leadership roles in the CBA, Nike Sports Management, and the Dallas Mavericks |
| Title | Former President & CEO of the Dallas Mavericks; Former Commissioner of the Continental Basketball Association |
| Board member of | Princeton University – Board of Trustees (2004–2008) Yale University Divinity School – Board of Advisors (2013–2018) Dallas Housing Authority – Chair (2008–2014) Communities Foundation of Texas – Vice Chairman (2006–2015) UT Southwestern Medical Foundation – Trustee (2004–2008) Dallas Symphony Orchestra – Board of Governors (2001–2006) Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation – Board Member (2006–2012) |
| Awards | John McLendon Minority Athletics Administrators Hall of Fame Corporate Executive of the Year (Black Enterprise) Sports Illustrated “Top 101 Most Influential Minorities in Sports” The Sporting News “100 Most Powerful People in Sports” |
Terdema Lamar Ussery II (born December 4, 1958) is an American business executive, attorney, and philanthropist, recognized for leadership in professional sports, corporate governance, and community development.
Raised in a public-housing complex in the Watts–Compton section of South Central Los Angeles, he served as Commissioner of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), led Nike Sports Management as President, and spent nearly two decades as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Beyond sports, Ussery has chaired the Board of Commissioners of the Dallas Housing Authority and held multiple board appointments—including the Board of Trustees of Princeton University and the Board of Advisors of Yale University Divinity School—supporting initiatives in education, healthcare, and urban development. He earned degrees from Princeton University (AB), Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government (MPA), the University of California, Berkeley School of Law (JD), and Yale University (MAR).