Dwyane Wade purchases ownership stake in Utah Jazz originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Dwyane Wade is purchasing an ownership stake in the Utah Jazz, the team announced Friday.
“As a businessman, entrepreneur, and investor, I bring a lot to this partnership outside of my basketball experience,” Wade said in a statement. “I’m excited to help take the Utah Jazz to the next level.”
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Wade, who made 13 All-Star teams as a member of the Miami Heat, played 16 NBA seasons with three franchises, spending short stints with the Bulls and Cavaliers late in his career.
The Jazz aren't on that list, and in fact, are rivals of the Chicago native's hometown team.
But in partnering with Qualtrics founder (and Jazz governor) Ryan Smith, Ryan Sweeney, Mike Cannon-Brooks and the Miller family, the 39-year-old Wade joins the youngest ownership group in the league.
“Partnering with Ryan (Smith) and the Utah Jazz is the perfect fit as we share the same vision and values,” Wade said. “Not only is this group focused on building a championship franchise, they are also committed to using their platform to do good and actively create a more inclusive, equitable world. We share a lot of the same goals and are trying to go the same places in life.”
Michael Jordan (Hornets), Shaquille O'Neal (Kings) and Grant Hill (Hawks) are fellow former NBAers to purchase ownership stakes in franchises. Now, in a landmark move, Wade joins their ranks.
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