Cade Cunningham is quickly making a name for himself as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, leading the Detroit Pistons with impressive skills and maturity. But off the court, Cunningham’s life is all about family, love, and fatherhood. As he balances his professional career with his personal life, Cade’s relationship with girlfriend Nikia Withers and his role as a proud father to his daughter, Riley Cunningham, are at the forefront of his life.
Who Is Nikia Withers?
Cade Cunningham and Nikia Withers have reportedly been together since 2021. Withers, born on June 29, 1996, in California, is five years older than Cade, but their relationship has been strong since they first started dating. Nikia is an accomplished athlete and professional in her own right. She played volleyball at the University of Southern California (USC) from 2015 to 2017, where she also pursued a major in law. After college, she coached high school volleyball for two years before turning to play professionally with Athletes Unlimited in 2022.
Withers has an athletic background, and it’s no surprise that she comes from a family of athletes. Her older brother, Marcedes Lewis, is an NFL tight end, showing that sports run deep in her family. Over the years, Nikia has been linked to other high-profile athletes, including NBA stars Klay Thompson and D’Angelo Russell, but her connection with Cunningham seems to be the most serious and long-lasting.
Though she maintains a relatively low profile, Withers is active on Instagram under the handle @nikia, where she occasionally shares moments of her life, including her relationship with Cade and their adventures together.
Cade’s Daughter, Riley
While Cade Cunningham is a rising NBA star, his daughter Riley is the one who gives him much of his motivation and drive. Born in 2018, Riley’s mother has kept her identity private, and very little about Riley’s life is shared in the public eye. Riley lives with her mother in Texas, though she maintains a close relationship with her father and his family. Cade’s parents, Carrie and Keith Cunningham, and his siblings, Cannen and Kaylyn, are based in Texas as well, offering a strong support system for both Cade and Riley.
In a 2021 interview, Cade shared how much Riley means to him, despite the challenges of being away from her while pursuing his NBA career. “I was away at Montverde when she was born and everything like that, so finally being able to be a little bit closer definitely helped,” Cade said. “I’ve been super lucky to be able to have her at a bunch of games and things like that.”
Although the NBA schedule demands a lot from Cade, he always makes time for Riley. He has spoken on multiple occasions about how much she motivates him, and even though Riley is kept out of the spotlight, he occasionally shares glimpses of their moments together on social media.
The Cunningham Family
Sports are clearly a big part of the Cunningham family’s history. Cade’s mom, Carrie, was a professional tennis player who competed on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour from 1987 to 1994. She participated in some of the biggest tournaments, including Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the French Open, with her highest singles ranking reaching No. 32. Her athletic background undoubtedly played a role in shaping Cade’s own athletic prowess.
Cade’s father, Keith, also has a strong sports background. Keith was a quarterback at Texas Tech University, but his football career was cut short by a knee injury. After his playing career ended, Keith became an important figure in Cade’s life, coaching him in youth sports and instilling the values of discipline and hard work. The lessons Cade learned from his father have helped guide him through his career and life in the NBA.
Cade also has two siblings: his older brother, Cannen, and his sister, Kaylyn. Cannen is another accomplished athlete, having played college basketball at Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 2011 to 2015. He later served as an assistant coach at Oklahoma State during the 2020–21 season. On the other hand, Kaylyn has chosen a more private path, avoiding the spotlight and pursuing a life outside of sports.
Cade Cunningham
As Cade Cunningham continues to make waves in the NBA, it’s clear that his family plays a central role in his success. Whether it’s his strong relationship with Nikia, his bond with his daughter Riley, or the legacy of athletes in his family, Cade is not just focused on basketball—he’s dedicated to being a present father and partner as well. With his quiet determination on the court and his unwavering commitment to his loved ones, Cade’s future looks incredibly bright, both in basketball and in life.
