Cade Cunningham, the Detroit Pistons' star player, is making headlines for a move that goes beyond the basketball court. In a surprising development, the two-time All-Star has invested in his hometown Major League Baseball (MLB) team, the Texas Rangers, according to a report from ESPN. But here's where it gets interesting: Cunningham is not just a fan, he's a minority owner. This move puts him in the company of other NBA stars who have ventured into team ownership before hanging up their sneakers.
Cunningham, a native of Arlington, Texas, has always been a proud supporter of his hometown teams. He even threw out the first pitch before a game against the Baltimore Orioles in July. Now, he's taking his passion to the next level by investing in the Rangers, who won the 2023 World Series. With a valuation of $2.47 billion, the Rangers are the 12th most valuable MLB team and 82nd among U.S. professional sports teams, according to Sportico.
This isn't the first time Cunningham has shown his support for Texas sports. He was seen cheering for the Dallas Cowboys when they visited the Detroit Lions in December. And it's not just about the Rangers; Cunningham is also an investor in Sportsology Capital Partners, a private equity firm that has previously backed France's SailGP team.
Cunningham's move into team ownership is a bold one, especially considering his stellar performance on the court. In his fifth NBA season, he's averaging 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, making him a strong contender for the NBA MVP award. But now, he's expanding his resume to include the role of team owner, a move that could spark debate among sports fans and investors alike.
So, what do you think? Is Cade Cunningham's move into team ownership a smart business decision, or is it a risky venture? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's discuss this controversial topic!