Dwyane Wade Backs 2.8 Billion Market after accidental investment in NBA franchise

5 min read

If ever asked, name a basket baller who has his foot in everything despite not being one of the Shaq or Jordan? Dwyane Wade won’t let you into much brainstorming. After a splash at the Met Gala, the 3x NBA champ is back to make yet another big impact. And amidst the festivities, it was revealed that he has teamed up with one of the biggest brands in beauty and skincare. Dwyane Wade’s passion for self-care is well known, and it seems he is making waves in the sports business world, too. The 3x NBA champ penned an intriguing message about Utah’s latest developments and fast-growing sports market, signaling that big things are on their way, and he’s ready to witness the action.

Wade’s growing role in the sports world began when he dipped his feet into the business scene. Going back to a simple and fun golf session in 2019, he was hanging out with Ryan Smith. Now, most of you might know Smith, who primarily owns the Smith Entertainment Group. This group owns the Utah Jazz (NBA), the Delta Center, Real Salt Lake (MLS), and the Utah Royals (NWSL). During that golf session, Wade, being Wade, curious, was inspired by their conversation. And that’s when he decided to buy a minority stake in the franchise.

Now, SEG also has the Utah Mammoth (NHL). The name was announced just recently. After playing their first season as the Utah Hockey Club, the team has officially been named the Utah Mammoth. This comes after much anticipation. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was present at the press conference with Utah Mammoth owners Ryan and Ashley Smith. Both were extremely excited at how things turned out after how fast the Arizona Coyotes were moved to Salt Lake City.

The team chose “Mammoth” as its name after a 13-month process and 850,000 fan votes. The Ice Age-era animal inspired the slogan, “Tusks Up.” During the press conference, Bettman said, “Good things happen to good people. And luck and skill and execution and vision and passion have always been on your agenda. And it’s great to see good things happen to good people. To the two of you and this entire community.” And to take part in the joy, guess who jumped?

Wade re-shared the post on his IG story and said, “Perfectly said, commissioner,to show his support to the Smiths. He has also previously made appearances during the games to root for the team. Utah is rapidly emerging as a major player in the world of sports investment, with over $2.8 billion committed in the past month alone to teams, infrastructure, and specialized sports funds, as per Front Office Sports! So, never be surprised to see them betting big in new leagues across the world. Well, for now, you would be excited to know how they are bringing a change here!

Oct 28, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade is honored at halftime during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Smith is spearheading a major transformation of the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. He has also teamed up with venture capitalist Ryan Sweeney to raise a $1 billion fund focused on opportunities at the intersection of sports and technology. The team is slowly gearing up for massive change. Not just on the sports side, Wade also has a lot going on in the fashion scene.

Dwyane Wade is named the newest Global Ambassador for Aramis

As Wade landed on the floral carpet at the Met Gala with his wife, Gabrielle Union, he had more than a few things to share. He raved about the Prada suit he wore. Soon after, photos surfaced of Wade applying a certain unique fragrance from a bottle labeled “Intuition.” In case you missed it, Wade is now the global ambassador and the face of their Aramis’ new campaign.

The men’s fragrance brand under the Estée Lauder Companies dates all the way back to 1963. It is one of the first prestige men’s fragrance lines in the U.S. Its rich legacy will also complement Wade. His earliest scent memories were of him using one after watching his father and brothers. They shared one at the time. 

“Fragrance is all about how you present yourself to the world. Aramis is a brand that aligns with my values, and Intuition reflects modern masculinity and confidence,” the Miami Heat legend said about the collaboration and the product. As per the brand, Intuition by Aramis is all set to debut globally in August 2025.

Whether supporting major ventures like the Mammoth franchise or stepping into the world of luxury grooming, Wade blends tradition with forward-thinking style in a way that feels both natural and intentional. His partnership with Aramis not only honors a legacy brand but also reflects his personal journey, rooted in childhood memories and shaped by a modern sense of identity. With each move, Wade shows an ability to bridge past and present, bringing authenticity to the spaces he enters. From business to branding, he continues to evolve while staying grounded in values that resonate across generations.

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