$170m worth Dwyane Wade hyped as exciting new era begins for Utah's NHL team

Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade was hyped for the Utah Hockey Club's start to the 2024-25 NHL season. Wade, who is one of UHC owner Ryan Smith's business partners, was present at the team's preseason win over the LA Kings on Monday night.

In a video uploaded by Utah on Instagram, Wade was backstage in the hallways of the Delta Center before the game. The Hall of Famer was ecstatic for the second preseason game of the expansion NHL team. UHC ended up beating the Kings 3-2 in a tight contest.

"It's time to play the game! @dwyanewade," the UHC account wrote.

Dwyane Wade has ties with the Utah Hockey Club, which is owned by Ryan Smith and his Smith Entertainment Group. Smith is also the majority owner of the Utah Jazz in the NBA, with Wade as one of his business partners and minority owner since 2021.

UHC was established last year and officially became an NHL franchise in April when the league approved the transfer of the Arizona Coyotes' assets, including players, coaches and draft picks. They did not receive the historical rights of the franchise, which was previously known as the Winnipeg Jets and Phoenix Coyotes.

It's unclear if the $170 million (per Celebrity Net Worth) valued basketball legend is part of the franchise's ownership but won't be surprising if he's already is or will be in the future. He has invested in sports teams such as the Jazz in the NBA and Chicago Sky in the WNBA.

Here's a couple of reels from Wade's Instagram stories:

Dwayne Wade was close to the action near the ice and had one of the best seats in the house. UHC scored two goals in the first quarter, while the LA Kings tied it in the second period. Both teams went scoreless in the third quarter before Utah scored in overtime to get the victory.

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Dwyane Wade was not the only athlete in Utah Hockey Club's preseason game

Dwyane Wade was not the only athlete in Utah Hockey Club's preseason game. (Credits: IMAGN)

In addition to Dwyane Wade, the Utah Hockey Club welcomed a bunch of celebrity athletes in their second preseason game. Utah Jazz players Lauri Markkanen and Taylor Hendrick were sitting with team owner Ryan Smith. UFC stars Khalil Rountree and Raquel Pennington were also in attendance.

UFC 307 will be held at the Delta Center on Oct. 6, with Rountree challenging Alex Pereira for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship in the main event. Pennington, on the other hand, will defend her UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship against Julianna Pena in the co-main event.

UHC has five more preseason games left before officially beginning their journey in the NHL. They will begin the regular season at home against the Chicago Blackhawks on Oct. 8.