NBA Coach's Ex, Nia Long, Poses For Playboy Photoshoot
Nia Long, the ex-girlfriend of Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka, has been unveiled as the newest model for Playboy.
Long, 55, was with Udoka for 13 years before they went their separate ways. They split after Udoka was found at the center of an alleged cheating scandal with a Boston Celtics staff member. An independent law firm later determined that Udoka used crude language while speaking to a female subordinate.
"I want to apologize to our players, fans, the entire Celtics organization, and my family for letting them down," Udoka said in a statement to ESPN. "I am sorry for putting the team in this difficult situation, and I accept the team's decision. Out of respect for everyone involved, I will have no further comment."
While Udoka is getting ready for Houston's first-round playoff series, Long is turning heads due to her appearance in Playboy's Spring 2026 issue.
Unsurprisingly, the sneak peek at Long's photo shoot with Playboy had her fans buzzing.
"Yassssss Nia," one person commented.
"Owwww!! Get it Nia," a second person said.
"Sis! You look FABULOUS," another person declared.
Nia Long opens up about her personal life.
As of now, Long doesn't plan on getting into a long-term relationship. Her focus is on her children and the rest of her inner circle.
"I'm really focused on my kids, my work, and my girlfriends, and going out and having a good time," Long said. "I like to get up and do what I want to do when I want to do it. It's not that I don't want to have a partner, but I was in a relationship for a very long time, and I'm enjoying getting to know myself without feeling the need to be of service to a relationship."
Although she didn't mention any people by name, Long revealed that she likes spending time with younger men. However, you won't find her on dating apps like Raya.
"I'm a big fan of this. I love it. Why not?" Long said. "I can't be on Raya because I wouldn't even keep up. They'll be like, 'She's flaky! Get her off of here.'"
It probably won't be long before Long goes viral yet again.
Copyright The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 9:54 AM.