Cade Cunningham Buys Stake in Texas Rangers, Expanding His Legacy Beyond the Court
Cade Cunningham is making moves - and not just with a basketball in his hands.
The Detroit Pistons All-Star guard and Arlington, Texas native has officially purchased a minority ownership stake in the Texas Rangers, becoming one of the few active pro athletes to invest in a franchise from another major sport. At just 24 years old, Cunningham is stepping into the business side of the game, joining a Rangers ownership group led by majority owner Ray Davis.
This isn’t just a hometown nod - it’s a calculated, forward-thinking move from a player who’s already shown he understands the bigger picture. It’s reminiscent of Patrick Mahomes’ decision to buy into the Kansas City Royals back in 2020. Like Mahomes, Cunningham is showing that his vision extends well beyond his own playing career.
From Stillwater Star to Stakeholder
Before Cunningham was lighting it up in Detroit, he was the face of Oklahoma State basketball - and he didn’t waste any time making his mark.
In his lone season in Stillwater during 2020-21, Cunningham put together one of the most memorable campaigns in program history. He became the first Cowboy to earn Associated Press First-Team All-America honors and was named a Consensus First-Team All-American - the first since Bob Kurland. He also earned National Freshman of the Year honors from multiple outlets and led the Big 12 in scoring with 20.2 points per game.
Cunningham didn’t just fill up the stat sheet - he delivered in big moments. He led Oklahoma State to nine wins over ranked opponents and helped the Cowboys notch their first NCAA Tournament victory since 2009. His 40-point, 11-rebound performance against Oklahoma was a signature moment, showcasing the poise, power, and polish that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Leading the Charge in Detroit
Fast forward to now, and Cunningham is doing in the NBA exactly what he did in college: leading, elevating, and delivering.
He’s averaging 25.3 points and 9.6 assists per game this season, guiding the Pistons to a 40-13 record heading into the All-Star break. That includes a recent 113-95 win over Toronto that pushed Detroit to the 40-win mark - a milestone that underscores just how far this team has come with Cunningham at the helm.
Last season, he averaged 26.1 points and 9.1 assists, finishing seventh in MVP voting. That kind of production, paired with his leadership, has solidified his place as one of the top guards in the Eastern Conference - and one of the league’s rising stars overall.
Bigger Than Basketball
Cunningham’s journey started in Arlington, where he starred at Bowie High School before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida. That move helped launch him into national prominence, culminating in being named the 2020 Naismith High School Player of the Year.
Now, he’s circling back to his roots - not just as a fan of the Rangers, but as a part-owner. It’s a full-circle moment for a hometown kid who’s never lost sight of where he came from, even as his profile continues to grow.
For fans in Oklahoma, Detroit, and now Arlington, this is another chapter in the rise of a player whose impact keeps expanding. Cade Cunningham isn’t just building a basketball résumé - he’s building a legacy.