Dwyane Wade continues to extend his support to the WNBA as they are slowly beginning to gain a lot of attention. For several years, the former NBA Champion has been routing for the NBA’s counterparts. And now he’s about to become an official member of its family as well. He recently joined the Chicago Sky’s ownership group which makes him the biggest investor in the WNBA yet.
“We all talk about support, and support looks different for everyone. And so instead of tweeting out and saying ‘go support the W,’ instead of showing up at the game and supporting, I wanted to take it to that next level, and this was the next level for me,” said the retired Miami Heat star. Wade also happens to be a native of Chicago as it is where he grew up and pursued an education. He began his basketball journey in Chicago as well.
Based on what’s been told, fans have not necessarily been too supportive of his choice from a business perspective. While the WNBA is on the rise, its audience is still much smaller when compared to other business ventures the 13x All-Star has invested in. One fan said, “Should probably fire his financial advisor.” And another fan said, “What a financial blunder this will be.” Here are a few other reactions.
Massive L
— Certified Pro (@tmoneyunplugged) July 14, 2023
Should probably fire his financial advisor
— Javen (@Jave_t23) July 14, 2023
What a financial blunder this will be 🤣
— Quantonious (@TheQuantBull) July 14, 2023
D.Wade is now majority owner of the Sky after a $100 purchase
— Nebuloso (@ElBogsBonni) July 14, 2023
Nobody cares. He probably only had to Invest like $15 anyway
— Token Black (@ie_rule) July 14, 2023
Dwyane Wade’s investment is just a small step to his big initiative of making the WNBA just as relevant as the NBA. As he said, rather than showing support on social media he chose to help expand the Sky’s empire. This will also help the WNBA in a way as well.
Co-owner Nadia Rawlinson said, “He has made an impact now in business and philanthropy in really significant ways that are abiding and authentic and true, and that is who we are at the Chicago Sky.” Wade has also been meeting up with the team during practices. He is closely in touch with the players and they adore him as well, Rawlinson claimed.
The WNBA has not disclosed Dwyane Wade’s Chicago Sky ownership percentage
While the Chicago Sky officially announced Dwayne Wade as a minority owner, they have yet to disclose his ownership percentage. It could be anywhere between 10% to 15% as Sky previously sold a minor stake worth around $85 million to Laura Ricketts. Wade even revealed that the franchise was his mother’s favorite in the WNBA. So this purchase comes from a personal place as well.
It’s an incredible feeling being on this side of history. To see growth, on the business side, for something that I’ve been passionate about my whole life is an amazing feeling. There are amazing things happening in the @WNBA. It’s official! This is for the home team– literally.… pic.twitter.com/lsvQovpj5z
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 14, 2023
The 3x NBA Champion previously bought a stake in the Utah Jazz. He also invested in the MLS’ Real Salt Lake. Rawlinson also added that Wade’s presence holds a lot of meaning to the franchise. Wade could also help attract players to join Chicago’s roster as they previously lost a few key pieces like Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot.