The Shocking New Chapter: 7 Things You Didn't Know About Steph Curry's Parents, Dell And Sonya, Post-Divorce
The dynamic of the NBA's most famous parents, Dell and Sonya Curry, has undergone a dramatic transformation since their high-profile divorce. After 33 years of marriage, the couple—whose presence courtside was a staple of Stephen Curry’s legendary career—split in 2021, leading to a public airing of grievances and a fascinating new chapter for the entire Curry family. As of December 22, 2025, both Dell and Sonya have moved on, with their new relationships creating a complex, yet supportive, family dynamic at Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets games.
This article dives deep into the current lives of Stephen Curry's parents, detailing their new partners, the acrimonious split that shocked the sports world, and how they maintain their roles as the ultimate basketball parents for Steph, Seth, and Sydel-Lee, ensuring they are always present, even if they are no longer together.
Dell Curry and Sonya Curry: A Complete Biography and Family Timeline
The foundation of the Curry family dynasty was laid at Virginia Tech, where Dell was a basketball star and Sonya was a standout volleyball player. Their marriage in 1988 produced two of the NBA’s most prolific shooters and a successful entrepreneur daughter, but their decades-long partnership came to a stunning end in 2021.
Wardell Stephen "Dell" Curry Sr.
- Full Name: Wardell Stephen Curry Sr.
- Date of Birth: June 25, 1964
- Career: Former NBA professional player (1986–2002) and current color commentator for the Charlotte Hornets.
- NBA Highlights: Played 16 seasons in the NBA. He retired as the Charlotte Hornets' all-time leader in points (9,839) and three-point field goals made (929). He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 1994.
- Post-Divorce Status: Remarried to Nicki Smith.
Sonya Alicia Curry (née Adams)
- Full Name: Sonya Alicia Curry (née Adams)
- Date of Birth: May 30, 1966
- Career: American educator, author, and entrepreneur. She co-founded the Christian Montessori School of Lake Norman, where she also served as president. She is also an author, releasing her memoir, Fierce Love.
- College Career: Played volleyball at Virginia Tech.
- Post-Divorce Status: In a relationship with Steven Johnson.
The Curry Children (Entities)
- Stephen "Steph" Curry: Born 1988, four-time NBA Champion, Golden State Warriors point guard.
- Seth Curry: Born 1990, professional NBA player.
- Sydel Curry-Lee: Born 1994, former Elon University volleyball player and entrepreneur, married to NBA player Damion Lee.
The Acrimonious Split: Allegations of Marital Misconduct and Extramarital Affairs
The news of the divorce, which broke in August 2021, sent shockwaves through the NBA community. What began as a joint announcement of separation quickly devolved into a public feud, with both parties citing infidelity as the cause of the breakdown.
Sonya Curry was the one to file for divorce in June 2021, citing "marital misconduct" on Dell’s part. Dell, however, countered the claim in court documents, stating that Sonya had been involved in an extramarital affair with a former NFL player.
The allegations painted a picture far removed from the loving, united front the couple had presented for decades on the sidelines of their sons' games. This public drama highlighted the intense pressure and scrutiny placed on the family, particularly on their children, who were forced to navigate their parents' private conflict under the glare of the NBA spotlight.
The Shocking Connection: Dell and Sonya's New Partners
The most compelling and perhaps most surprising development following the divorce is the identity of Dell and Sonya’s new partners. Both have found love again, but the overlapping history of their new relationships is a unique twist that has captivated fans and media alike.
Dell Curry's New Wife: Nicki Smith
Dell Curry has remarried, tying the knot with Nicki Smith in a quiet ceremony. Nicki Smith was first publicly seen alongside Dell during the 2022 NBA Finals, a clear sign the former NBA star was moving forward with his life. While details about Nicki Smith are scarce, her connection to the family drama is significant: she is the ex-wife of Sonya Curry's new boyfriend, Steven Johnson.
Sonya Curry's Partner: Steven Johnson
Sonya Curry is in a relationship with Steven Johnson, a man who is not only a former NFL player but also Dell Curry's college friend from their days at Virginia Tech. Johnson was a sixth-round pick in the 1988 NFL Draft and played for the New England Patriots. The fact that Dell and Sonya essentially "swapped" partners—Dell with Steven's ex-wife, and Sonya with Dell's college friend—is a truly unprecedented and complex layer to the family dynamic.
The relationship with Johnson was central to the divorce proceedings, as Dell's court filings accused Sonya of having an affair with him during their marriage.
Navigating the New Family Dynamic: Courtside Separations and Public Support
Despite the personal turmoil and the unusual circumstances of their new relationships, Dell and Sonya have remained steadfast in their commitment to supporting their children's careers. This has resulted in a fascinating new courtside dynamic that is closely watched by fans.
The most visible change is that Dell and Sonya now sit separately at games, often on opposite sides of the arena, sometimes accompanied by their new respective partners. This was notably evident when Stephen Curry broke the all-time three-point record, a monumental moment where the parents were physically separated but emotionally united in their support.
Stephen Curry himself has spoken about the difficulty of his parents' separation, calling it "challenging" and "tough" but emphasizing that his focus, and the family’s focus, remains on love and support. Sonya has echoed this sentiment, stating that her primary concern throughout the process has been the well-being of her children.
Key Entities and Topical Authority
- Dell's Analysis: Dell Curry remains a prominent voice in the NBA world, often providing commentary and giving recent updates on his son's career, including a prediction that Steph could play for "several years" more, well into his late 30s.
- The Curry Family Foundation: The family continues to be involved in philanthropic efforts, though their joint public appearances have understandably minimized since the divorce.
- Seth and Sydel: The parents also maintain a supportive presence for Seth Curry's NBA career and Sydel Curry-Lee's family life with Damion Lee. The focus on the children's success has clearly served as a unifying factor for the fractured family unit.
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