Detroit Pistons two-time All-Star Cade Cunningham has taken a major step into sports ownership by acquiring a minority stake in the Texas Rangers, the Major League Baseball team from his hometown. This announcement was made just before the NBA All-Star week in Los Angeles and marks a unique connection between Cunningham’s basketball career and his roots in Arlington, Texas.
Born and raised in the Arlington area, Cunningham rose to prominence as a highly ranked high school recruit and was honored with his jersey retirement at Bowie High School on December 17, attended by family, friends, and former teammates. Now, he joins the ownership board of the very sports franchise he admired growing up.
Cunningham’s Rising Influence On and Off the Court
Known primarily for his impressive performance as the Pistons’ leading guard, Cunningham has also made significant moves beyond basketball. Since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, he has developed into a star player, recently earning his second All-Star selection and securing a spot to represent the USA Stars in the upcoming All-Star game.
This season, he is averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, underscoring his status as one of the league’s brightest young talents. His growing stature is also reflected in a landmark Nike signature shoe deal, projected for release in the 2026-27 season, placing him among a select group of NBA players including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo who have secured personal sneaker lines.
By investing in the Texas Rangers, Cunningham extends his influence into ownership, combining business acumen with a deep personal connection to his community, further building a lasting legacy beyond his basketball achievements.
The Expanding Trend of Athlete Ownership in Sports
Cunningham’s purchase of a minority ownership stake aligns with a broader movement among professional athletes who are increasingly investing their earnings in sports franchises. These investments offer a way to grow wealth strategically and establish a presence in the sports business world.
Several notable athletes have followed this path: Magic Johnson holds minority shares in MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks, and MLS’s Los Angeles FC; Patrick Mahomes owns stakes in the Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, and the Kansas City Current of the NWSL; Tom Brady owns about five percent of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders; and Cunningham’s mentor, Kevin Durant, became a minority owner of MLS’s Philadelphia Union.
Cunningham’s stake in the Texas Rangers adds him to this influential group of athlete-investors, linking his personal roots with a strategic business interest in professional sports. As the Rangers prepare to start Spring Training on February 20 against the Kansas City Royals, Cunningham embarks on a new chapter that bridges his career in basketball with baseball ownership.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Cunningham’s Ownership Role
Cade Cunningham’s new role as a minority owner of the Texas Rangers highlights how modern athletes are diversifying their careers and investments while remaining connected to their communities. His involvement brings attention to the expanding opportunities for athletes to influence sports beyond their playing days.
Given Cunningham’s talent and thoughtful approach to his career, his ownership position in the Rangers could inspire other young athletes to pursue similar ventures, potentially reshaping how sports figures contribute to and benefit from franchise growth. His connection to Arlington and ongoing success in the NBA ensure that his legacy will continue both on and off the court, influencing the worlds of basketball and baseball alike.
“To land an endorsement deal with Nike, you have to be pretty darn good. But to earn a signature Nike shoe deal in your namesake, one must be a generational talent. Cunningham has proven to be the latter.” – Shams Charania, ESPN Insider
“Soon, the Pistons star will join a star-studded list that includes Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Ja Morant, Devin Booker and Giannis Antetokounmpo as active players with a signature shoe.” – Shams Charania, ESPN Insider
Detroit Pistons All-Star and Arlington, Texas native Cade Cunningham has purchased a minority ownership stake of his hometown MLB team, the Texas Rangers, he told ESPN.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 12, 2026
Detroit Pistons superstar Cade Cunningham has reached a new six-year endorsement agreement to re-sign with Nike – and will receive his own signature shoe with the brand, his representatives at Excel Sports Management told ESPN. His signature shoe is expected to debut in 2026-27. pic.twitter.com/de148Y9sVk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 17, 2025
