There’s a new face joining Chicago Sky ownership in 3-time NBA champion and Chicago native in Dwyane Wade. 

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

Michael Alter will still be the principal owner of the Chicago Sky following this addition to ownership. Wade’s percentage of ownership has not been disclosed.

“It’s really validating for our team, for our league and for what we’re all about,” Sky CEO and president Adam Fox said to Marquee. “To have this outstanding group of people not only talk about wanting to support the team but actually to step up and be significant in what they’re doing and to provide some resources and opportunity to be able to really help and continue to provide some fuel for the continued growth of the franchise.”

This addition in ownership is a step in the direction of growing the franchise in terms of marketing, fan experience, human resource, growth in technology for both front office and team support as well as player and team development on the floor.

“It really validates what our league is trying to do and specifically what our team in Chicago is trying to do. We couldn’t be happier to have a local hero and local legend. To make the decision, with anything he can do in the world, to be a part of what we’re doing here is really, really important for the growth of our team, hopefully benefits the league and women’s sports overall,” Fox said.

While the move still has yet to be approved by the WNBA board of governors, Wade has been around the Sky for several months, including making an appearance at Sky practice back in June.

Thanks for pulling up, @DwyaneWade!#skytown pic.twitter.com/DQs6YkHstl

— Chicago Sky (@chicagosky) June 13, 2023

This move by the Sky comes at a time where 3-time WNBA All-Star and 2021 Finals MVP in Kahleah Copper will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2023 season. This move may signal to not just the fans but Copper as well that the Sky are a franchise wanting to invest in the future and this team to stay in contention for a title.

“Our franchise has continued to get stronger and stronger. I think in Dwyane’s statement today, identifying that our business has never been better, and we have been a very successful franchise on the court. We are continuing to grow and be better and better as a business. I think the future of the Chicago Sky is exceptionally bright, very strong, and we’re rather bullish on our future. I’m really excited about where we’re headed, and I hope everyone else in Chicago is, too,” Fox said.