Dwyane Wade joins the list of NBA team owners.
The Utah Jazz announced Friday that the 13-time All-Star League will join the youngest group of NBA owners.
The group is led by technology entrepreneur Ryan Smith, who along with his wife, Ashley, acquired a majority stake in Jazz at the end of 2020.
Wade and Smith had known each other for several years and had talked about working together in different roles.
“Dwyane is not only a basketball legend, he is also a great leader, businessman and human being,” Smith said in a statement. “As we continue to build on the incredible legacy of the Utah Jazz franchise, we are excited to add Dwyane’s experience and knowledge to the equation. Utah is an amazing place and I could not be more excited about the future of the franchise and the future of this state. Dwyane’s influence will be important to both. “
Wade played 16 NBA seasons with Miami, Chicago and Cleveland before retiring at the end of the 2018-19 season. He won three league titles, and his No. 3 was withdrawn by the Heat last month.
“The partnership with Ryan and the Utah Jazz is the perfect match, because we share the same vision and values,” Wade said. “This group is not only determined to build a championship franchise, but is also committed to using its platform forever and actively creating a more inclusive and equitable world. We share many of the same goals and try to go to the same places in life. “
Wade talked about joining NBA owners in the final seasons of his career and in 2019 said he wants to discuss joining the group as head of the Heat group. The two sides spoke later that year without reaching an agreement, and it is unknown whether talks have ever resumed.