You’ve seen him drain 14 threes in a single game. You’ve seen the “Game 6 Klay” memes. You’ve probably even seen him chilling on his boat in the San Francisco Bay, looking like the most relaxed man on the planet. But for as long as he’s been in the spotlight, there is a question that pops up in Google search bars and sports bars alike: is Klay Thompson black or white? It’s one of those things people debate because, honestly, identity in the NBA isn't always as cut-and-dried as a box score. Klay doesn't really talk about it in a defensive way. He just lives it. But if you’re looking for the technical breakdown, the answer is simple but layered: Klay Thompson is biracial.
The Genetics of a Sharpshooter
To understand Klay, you have to look at the people in the front row of his games. His father is Mychal Thompson, a name that carries serious weight in basketball history. Mychal was the first overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft and a key piece of the "Showtime" Lakers. He’s Bahamian, born and raised in Nassau. So, on his father’s side, Klay is of African-Bahamian descent.
Then you have his mother, Julie Thompson (formerly Julie Leslie). She was a star volleyball player at the University of Portland and the University of San Francisco. Julie is white, with European-American roots specifically tied to the Pacific Northwest.
So, when people ask about his race, they’re usually looking for a binary choice that doesn't exist. He’s both. He’s a product of a Bahamian father and a white American mother, making him a multi-ethnic athlete who identifies with both sides of his heritage.
Is Klay Thompson Black or White? Why the Confusion Happens
The reason this question even trends is basically down to "passing" or physical ambiguity. In the United States, we have this weird, lingering habit—sometimes called the "one-drop rule"—where anyone with any Black ancestry is often just labeled "Black."
But visually, Klay has a lighter complexion than his father. Some fans see him next to teammates like Draymond Green and think he "looks white." Others see him next to his father and see the resemblance clearly. It’s funny because Klay’s brothers, Mychel and Trayce, have slightly different looks too. Trayce Thompson, who plays professional baseball, is often perceived differently by fans than Klay is.
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It’s also about hair and style. Klay has rocked everything from a buzzed look to a thicker afro-textured style over the years. Depending on the haircut, people’s internal "race-o-meter" tends to flicker. Honestly, it’s a bit silly, but it’s a conversation that follows almost every light-skinned or biracial player in the league, from Steph Curry to Devin Booker.
Growing Up in a "Global" Household
Klay didn't grow up in a bubble. He was born in Los Angeles, moved to Lake Oswego, Oregon, and then back to Southern California. His upbringing was a mix of elite athletic training and a multicultural home life.
His dad, Mychal, is fiercely proud of his Bahamian roots. If you listen to Mychal on the radio today, he’s still talking about "the islands." Klay has spent plenty of time in the Bahamas and has even helped with basketball camps there through the Thompson Family Foundation. He doesn't just "have Bahamian blood"—he actually engages with the culture.
At the same time, his mom, Julie, was the one keeping the house running and teaching the boys about nutrition and discipline. Klay has often credited her for his "chill" demeanor. While his dad is the boisterous NBA legend, his mom provided that steady, grounded Oregon energy.
The "Splash Brother" Identity
Interestingly, the conversation about Klay’s race often gets lumped in with his backcourt partner, Stephen Curry.
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A lot of people assume Steph and Klay have the exact same background because they’re both "light-skinned" shooters. But they don't. Steph’s parents, Dell and Sonya Curry, are both Black (though Sonya has talked about her own mixed-race heritage). Klay, on the other hand, is the son of an interracial marriage.
This distinction matters to people who study the sociology of sports, but for Klay? He seems way more interested in his shooting percentage than his census categorization. He has spoken about feeling "fortunate" to have such diverse influences. He doesn't see himself as "half this" or "half that." He’s just Klay.
Why Does the Public Care So Much?
In 2026, we’re still obsessed with categorizing people. We want to know which "box" a celebrity fits into. For Klay, being biracial makes him a bridge for different fanbases.
- In the Bahamas, he’s a national hero. They claim him as one of their own, full stop.
- In the US, he’s often seen as a Black athlete because of his father’s legacy and his place in a Black-majority league.
- In suburban Oregon or SoCal, many kids see him as a relatable figure who looks like them.
This "in-between" space is actually where a lot of the modern NBA lives. The league is becoming increasingly international and multicultural. Klay is basically the poster child for that shift.
Breaking Down the Family Tree
If you really want to get into the weeds, look at the brothers. The Thompson family is a literal factory for pro athletes.
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- Mychal (The Dad): Black/Bahamian.
- Julie (The Mom): White/European-American.
- Mychel (Older Brother): Former NBA player, currently coaching.
- Klay (Middle Child): The 4x NBA Champ we're talking about.
- Trayce (Younger Brother): MLB outfielder.
They all have the same parents. They all have the same mixed heritage. But if you put them in a lineup, fans would likely guess three different ethnicities for them. Genetics is a wild thing. It just goes to show how unreliable "the eye test" is when it comes to race.
Actionable Insights: What to Take Away
If you were searching for this because you were in a heated debate with a friend, here is the "cheat sheet" to win:
- Is he Black? Yes, by heritage and his father's lineage.
- Is he White? Yes, by heritage and his mother's lineage.
- What’s the most accurate term? Biracial or mixed-race.
- What is his nationality? American, but he holds strong ties to the Bahamas.
The next time you’re watching him pull up for a transition three, remember that his background is as multifaceted as his game. He’s a Bahamian-American, a Californian, a Beaver State kid, and a global basketball icon.
Stop trying to pick one side of the coin. Klay Thompson is the whole coin.
To dig deeper into how Klay's background influenced his career, you should check out his father's memoir or the various documentaries on the "Showtime" Lakers, which give a lot of context to the Bahamian influence on the Thompson family's work ethic. You can also follow the Thompson Family Foundation to see how they give back to both the US and Nassau communities.