Nia Long recently shared her thoughts on dating in the Spring 2026 issue of Playboy. Known for being private about her personal life, she expressed her preference for dating younger men and elaborated on her partner expectations. It’s been a while since her public breakup with former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, which occurred after allegations of an affair involving a female staff member came to light in September 2022.
Long, at 55, enthusiastically mentioned her experiences with younger partners. She humorously noted not joining the exclusive dating app Raya, saying she fears she’d be deemed “unstable.” She’s quite selective, admitting, “I’m really picky,” but enjoys the energy younger individuals bring to her life. “And they go home, too,” she added with a laugh.
When asked about her relationship status, she answered thoughtfully, “I can’t even answer that question. I probably shouldn’t answer that question.” She isn’t keen on the term “dating,” suggesting it implies a focus on finding a partner, which isn’t her current aim.
Long emphasized her priorities, saying, “I’m really focused on my kids, my job, my girlfriend, and I like to go out and have fun.” She seems to appreciate the freedom to make her own choices and explore her identity without the obligations of a relationship. While she’s open to the idea of a partner, she’s more invested in self-care for now. “If the right man comes along, he might help me if I choose to commit,” she noted, contemplating the complications that can arise in dating.
Interestingly, she also stated she’s never had a casual encounter, insisting, “I need it.” She expressed a bit of frustration regarding communication in potential relationships, wishing people would talk less and keep things more straightforward, perhaps advocating for some kind of agreement for casual encounters.
The interview wrapped up with Long playfully mentioning, “We’re about to start dating. It’s going to be a lot of fun.” Since her long-term relationship with Udoka, publicly, she hasn’t dated anyone else. Their breakup followed Udoka’s suspension for violating team policies, including an inappropriate relationship within the staff, and they have been co-parenting their teenage son, Kez, since then.
Long shared how much she appreciates their co-parenting dynamic. “We have the best time,” she remarked, reminiscing about family vacations and dinners together. She believes in maintaining community and support within their family, highlighting that they’ve established boundaries but still function well as a team.
Additionally, Long has another son, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, from a previous engagement.
