“Very lucky,” Metta World Peace said about expecting his first child with his wife Maya Sandiford. MWP, who also goes by the name Metta Sandiford-Artest, is one of the few who has publicly spoken about the mental health struggles of a player. After six years of marriage to Maya, the couple is excited to enter the next happy chapter of their life. While many are aware that the couple has stayed together through thick and thin for a long time, little is known about MWP’s wife.

The retired NBA player is also a father to four kids from his past relationships. Here is everything we know about MWP’s wife and their family.

Who is Metta World Peace’s wife?

Maya gained popularity for her work as a model. According to sources, she grew up in Canada. She is of Japanese descent, with her father Hirata Fuminori being Japanese and her mother Michelle Sandiford. Her younger brother Shay is also a model.

Apart from modeling, Maya is reportedly involved in other business ventures, though details about her other pursuits remain largely undisclosed.

When did Metta World Peace marry Maya Sandiford?

MWP and his wife Maya have been together for 12 years. Formerly known as Ronald William Artest Jr., MWP married the model in 2018. The retired NBA player even adopted his wife’s name Sandiford as a tribute to her. “But right now, it’s funny because I got married, and my name now is Metta Sandiford-Artest. So, I actually took my wife’s last name,” MWP said to NBC about changing his name.

Apart from being the wife of the popular former NBA player MWP, Maya has her own separate identity. MWP has played for six teams throughout his career. Most may remember him for his thrilling three-pointer shot in Game 7 of the Los Angeles Lakers. The couple announced that the two were expecting a baby boy.

Metta World Peace talks about a new addition to the family

The couple had a conversation with People Magazine and shared their experience of starting a new family. “We have been together for 12 years now, so it’s been in the making for quite some time,” the couple said. While they had to face earlier complications, the couple expressed feeling blessed about expecting their son.

Maya also spoke about her first pregnancy experience. “The first trimester was an absolute nightmare. I was sick every day. I feel like women don’t talk enough about how brutal the first trimester can be, maybe in fear of appearing ungrateful.”

She further added, “But I’m here to say that all women, the first tri can be absolute s**t and I think it’s okay to say that and talk about it.” She also mentioned how MWP has been a supportive husband to her helping out with the little things. The NBA legend also praised his wife and said, “Honestly, she’s the pregnant one so I just help out when I can (help) in the cravings department, massages and stuff like that. But she’s handled it like a boss.”

The two kept their baby shower event very intimate with just close friends and family. During the interview, Maya thanked the collaborators especially Linda Luna of The Powerhouse Agency for making her important day special.

The former Indiana Pacers player expressed that while he was often busy during the births of his other kids, he is feeling excited to be present for his wife this time during the early stages. The former Los Angeles Lakers player is a father to two daughters and two sons. He had a son, Jeron from his past relationship with his school girlfriend, Jennifer Palma.

He shares three children, Sadie, Diamond, and Ron III, with his first wife, Kimsha Hatfield. He is a supportive father to his kids, and now the little one is also included!

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