As the NBA reviewed the recent trade deadline, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham made news with an interesting off-court investment.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Cunningham has bought a minority stake in the Texas Rangers. A native of Arlington, Texas, he signed a five-year max rookie extension worth $269 million in 2024 and a six-year endorsement deal with Nike last November.
Cunningham, 24, is having an impressive season, averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game. The Rangers, however, finished last season at .500 (81-81) and were third in the American League West for the second year in a row.
Cade Cunningham’s Strategic Investment in the Rangers
Despite the Rangers’ recent challenges, Cunningham’s investment is considered a smart move. The team previously won the World Series in 2023 against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Rangers also boasted the best starting rotation in 2025 with a 3.41 ERA, bolstered this offseason by acquiring ace MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals.
The team is owned primarily by Ray C. Davis, who has been at the helm since 2010 when the Rangers enjoyed significant success by reaching the World Series twice but losing both times. The exact percentage of stake Cunningham has acquired remains undisclosed.
This season, the Rangers are expected to improve, with predictions suggesting they could win 83 games, according to PECOTA. They will face competition from the reigning American League West champions, the Seattle Mariners, along with the Houston Astros close behind.