Detroit Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham just grabbed a minority ownership stake in his hometown Texas Rangers. That’s a pretty big moment for the crossover between basketball stars and baseball ownership.
Cunningham, who grew up in Arlington, Texas, is expanding his investments beyond basketball. He’s now a minority investor in the Rangers through Sportsology Capital Partners.
This post digs into the details of Cunningham’s deal, his personal ties to the Rangers, and how his on-court success and growing brand connect to this move.
Cade Cunningham’s ownership stake signals a new era for athlete-entrepreneurs
Cunningham told ESPN’s Shams Charania that he’s one of the athlete investors in Sportsology Capital Partners. The group recently wrapped up the Rangers’ minority investment.
More and more, top athletes are buying into professional sports franchises. It’s not just about playing anymore—they’re stepping into bigger roles.
Deal specifics and Cunningham’s Texas ties
With this investment, Cunningham joins a small group of players tackling ownership across major leagues. At 24, he’s already got deep roots in Arlington.
Last July, he threw out the first pitch at a Rangers game against the Orioles. He called it an “amazing experience” that meant a lot, since he’s always cheered for the Rangers.
On-court excellence and brand-building
This season, Cunningham’s putting up some wild numbers: 25.3 points per game, 9.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds. No wonder he made NBA All-Star again, now representing the USA Stars in the showcase.
He started his rise as the No. 1 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. In 2024, he locked in a five-year max rookie extension that could hit $269 million.
He’s not slowing down off the court either. Last November, Cunningham signed a six-year endorsement deal with Nike—even landing a signature shoe. That’s a clear sign he’s become a major brand athlete, with fans across different sports.
The broader trend: why more players are joining the ownership club
The Rangers investment is part of a bigger movement. Top-tier athletes want real, long-term stakes in the teams fans love.
Cunningham feels the pull of his home state and his own rising legacy. Add in his endorsement deals and extension, and you’ve got a playbook that’s tough for other athletes to ignore.
- Cade Cunningham is a rising NBA star with 25.3 PPG, 9.6 APG, 5.6 RPG this season.
- He’s a two-time NBA All-Star and suits up for the USA Stars in the All-Star Game.
- His No. 1 overall pick status (2021) led to a $269 million rookie extension in 2024.
- A six-year Nike endorsement deal and a signature shoe highlight his off-court presence.
- This move shows how athletes are diversifying ownership across major sports, not just playing careers.
Cunningham’s leap into baseball ownership adds another layer to the way athletes shape sports culture. They’re not just on the court—they’re building brands, influencing franchises, and connecting with fans in new ways.
Watching Cunningham juggle Pistons stardom and a stake in the Rangers? It’s a fascinating mix. Who knows how this crossover will ripple through the industry, but it’s hard not to be a little curious.
Here is the source article for this story: Pistons’ Cunningham buys stake in MLB’s Rangers
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