Cade Cunningham, the NBA All-Star and Detroit Pistons standout, has become a minority owner of the Texas Rangers, his hometown Major League Baseball team, marking a new venture alongside his basketball career. The acquisition was confirmed recently, with details about the size of Cunningham’s stake remaining private.
This move represents Cunningham’s continued connection to his roots in Arlington, Texas, where the Rangers have been based since 1972. By joining the franchise’s ownership group, he strengthens his ties beyond athletics and into the local community’s sports culture.
Growing Up and Giving Back to Arlington
Cunningham’s journey started in Arlington, where he attended Bowie High School and played basketball for two years before moving on to Oklahoma State University. Known for his commitment to his hometown, Cunningham has remained loyal to Texas sports, even throwing the ceremonial first pitch at a Rangers game against the Baltimore Orioles in mid-2025.
The Rangers are owned by Rangers Baseball Express, with Ray C. Davis serving as chairman and majority owner. Cunningham’s entrance as a minority stakeholder adds a new dimension to the group and highlights his expanding role off the basketball court.
Active Players Expanding into Team Ownership
Cunningham’s investment is part of a larger trend where professional athletes, particularly NBA players, are acquiring stakes in sports teams across different leagues. This trend reflects how athletes are diversifying their portfolios and influence within the sports industry.
LeBron James is a notable example, holding a share in Fenway Sports Group, the company that manages the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool FC. Similarly, Giannis Antetokounmpo owns a minority interest in the Milwaukee Brewers, and NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds part ownership of the Kansas City Royals.
I’ve always been interested in business just from watching when my dad [former MLB pitcher Pat Mahomes] played sports and then watching other athletes like LeBron or Michael Jordan, Alex Rodriguez, these guys, is that as much as you have success in sports, business it’s kind of the same feel,
Mahomes said. It’s competition.
— Patrick Mahomes, NFL Quarterback
These moves underscore a broader pattern where athletes are applying their competitive drive and financial gains toward long-term investments in established sports franchises.
Cunningham’s Progress on the Basketball Court
Despite the excitement around his new ownership role, Cunningham remains dedicated to excelling on the basketball court. Now in his fifth season with the Pistons, he has earned consecutive All-Star honors and is instrumental in leading Detroit’s unexpected rise this season.
The Pistons currently hold the best record in the Eastern Conference at 40-13, with Cunningham averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. His performance has sparked hope for the franchise’s first NBA Finals appearance since the 2004-05 season.
In 2024, Cunningham signed a five-year max rookie contract extension, which ESPN reports
could become worth as much as $269 million.
This deal secures his role as a cornerstone for Detroit’s future, while his MVP odds remain at +2200 for the upcoming season.
The Broader Implications of Cunningham’s Investment
Cunningham’s partnership with the Texas Rangers owner group not only reflects his personal connection to Arlington but also signals a modern shift in how athletes manage their careers and wealth. By building influence across multiple sports platforms, Cunningham is positioning himself for a lasting legacy beyond basketball.
As more active players follow this path, fans and analysts alike will watch how these dual roles impact both on-court or on-field performance and broader sports business dynamics. Cunningham’s evolving journey offers a glimpse into this emerging model of athlete entrepreneurship and community engagement.
