According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, Dwyane Wade, a recent inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, is set to join the ownership group of the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. As a Chicago native and a long-time fan of the Sky, Wade’s interest in becoming an owner is not surprising.
The Chicago Sun-Times had previously reported on his interest, and he had even visited a Sky practice. Principal owner Michael Alter had sold a 10% stake in the team to a group led by Laura Ricketts, co-owner of the Chicago Cubs.
The exact stake that Wade will hold in the team has not been disclosed, and the move is pending league approval. This addition makes Wade one of the highest-profile owners in the WNBA.
Athletes Investing in WNBA
Dwyane Wade’s investment in the Chicago Sky is a testament to his commitment to supporting the WNBA. While many NBA players express their support for the league, Wade wanted to take it a step further by becoming an owner. He believes that actions speak louder than words and saw this investment as a meaningful way to show his support.
This marks Wade’s third investment in a professional sports team, as he is already a part-owner of the Utah Jazz and Real Salt Lake. He joins a growing list of former pro athletes, including Alex Rodriguez and Magic Johnson, who have chosen to invest in WNBA teams.
Tom Brady recently joined Mark Davis as an investor in the Las Vegas Aces.
The timing of Wade’s investment comes as the Sky undergoes a period of transition. After their surprising championship run two years ago, the team has experienced significant roster changes, including the departure of key players like Candace Parker, Courtney Vandersloot, Diamond Deshields, and Stefanie Dolson.
