On Tuesday, June 17, 2025, basketball legend Dwyane Wade traveled over 6,000 miles to Cannes, France, to participate in a revealing discussion about the trajectory of Draymond Green post his NBA career and his investments. This event took place during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity at Sport Beach, hosted by Stagwell, spotlighting how athletes evolve beyond their sports careers—shaping business empires and crafting new identities.
The focus keyword, Draymond Green post NBA life and investments, was at the center of an insightful panel exploring the complexities and opportunities athletes face as they transition. Alongside Wade, Green himself shared candid reflections on his next steps, blending honesty about challenges with strategic business growth.
The Expanding Empire of Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Wade did not arrive as just a celebrated former player; he appeared as the CEO of Wade Enterprises Inc., a multifaceted company embodying his wide-ranging passions. Wade Enterprises includes ventures such as his Way of Wade sneakers, Wade Cellars wine—one of which was notably served at the 2025 Meta Gala—along with a media production studio named 59th & Prairie, Proudly baby products, and even equity in the Utah Jazz franchise.
Wade’s journey from NBA athlete to entrepreneur was marked by an intensive learning curve where he had to master branding, credibility, and risk-taking outside of basketball. Today, his estimated net worth of about $170 million signifies a considerable footprint in diverse industries, positioning Wade Enterprises as a powerful player in business beyond sports.
Draymond Green’s Investment Portfolio and Vision Beyond Basketball
Draymond Green, known for his tenacious defense and leadership with the Golden State Warriors, has mirrored that intensity in his investment pursuits. His ownership of over 20 Blink Fitness gyms, contributing to nearly $375 million in revenue, is just the surface of his business endeavors. Green’s portfolio further includes investments in Lobos 1707 tequila, SmileDirectClub—where he remarkably earned a 40× return—LARQ, and Rumble Boxing.
Beyond profits, Green demonstrates a commitment to community via 100K Ventures, which supports entrepreneurs in his hometown of Flint, Michigan. With a net worth estimated between $50 and $60 million, he is methodically shaping a sustainable future as the end of his basketball career approaches.
Draymond Green Opens Up About Retirement and the Next Chapter
At the Cannes event, Draymond Green offered a subtle yet clear indication regarding his retirement timeline from the NBA. Speaking before a crowd at Sport Beach, he conveyed an awareness of the nearing conclusion of his athletic career, stating,
“As I transition in the next two or three years from basketball… I know that’s where my life leads me in the next two or three years,”
—Draymond Green, NBA Veteran
This was not a formal retirement announcement, but the sentiment revealed his contemplation of life after basketball. His career spans over 13 seasons filled with significant achievements, including four NBA championships, four All-Star selections, and a Defensive Player of the Year title. On the court, Green’s averages of 8.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game reflect his impact, but his influence extends well beyond statistics.
The Intersection of Storytelling, Branding, and Reputation
At the panel, Green and Wade emphasized the power of authenticity in shaping their personal and business brands. The theme Heroes and Villains: The Power of Honesty in Athlete Storytelling explored how embracing both success and adversity can deepen fan loyalty and cultural relevance.
Green addressed his often polarized public image, openly discussing the role of the so-called sports villain in narratives. He reflected,
“I think in order for there to be a hero, there has to be a villain,”
—Draymond Green, NBA Player
He added,
“One doesn’t work without the other… It’s what creates storylines… If everyone’s the hero, who do we hate?”
—Draymond Green, NBA Player
Regarding the controversial incident involving Rudy Gobert in 2023, Green commented with characteristic wit,
“You may not think so, but I don’t always try to be hated.”
—Draymond Green, NBA Player
This perspective illustrates how Green has strategically turned perceptions into a platform that amplifies his influence in media and business, as seen in his hosting roles, including The Draymond Green Show and appearances on Inside the NBA.
How the Cannes Talk Symbolizes Athlete Legacies Beyond Sports
The meeting of Dwyane Wade and Draymond Green at Cannes signaled a pivotal moment where athletic achievements intersect with entrepreneurial ambition and cultural leadership. Their conversation illuminated the tensions and opportunities athletes confront while constructing sustainable legacies after retiring from professional play.
Both men demonstrated that honesty about struggle, risk-taking in unfamiliar arenas, and embracing complex public personas are crucial to thriving off the court. Their stories convey a restless energy and tension inherent in redefining success beyond the hardwood, making their insights especially pertinent to current and future athletes pondering what comes next.
As these former and current NBA stars continue to expand their business portfolios and media presence, they exemplify the evolving model for athlete influence—one rooted in transparency, resilience, and strategic investment.