There is something about the sports world crossing paths with the fashion industry, and Dwyane Wade did not miss out on the magic. Anyone who’s kept tabs on the former Miami Heat star knows he’s long stood out as a style icon. But what set him apart wasn’t just his flair—it was how he adapted his fashion sensibility during a major shift in the NBA’s image. Rewind to the era before 2005, and NBA fashion was all about baggy suits, loose shirts, and nostalgic jerseys—bold, unrefined, and deeply rooted in street culture. Players wore their backgrounds on their sleeves, quite literally. That all began to shift when then-commissioner David Stern introduced a formal dress code. While many saw it as restrictive, the Miami Heat icon saw it as a new canvas.

Unlike Allen Iverson’s raw, rebellious look, Wade’s approach evolved with the league’s changing tide. And his instincts were spot on. Not long after the change, The Atlantic pointed out that Dwyane Wade’s polished, designer-driven wardrobe earned him a place on Esquire’s best-dressed list—a clear sign he was onto something bigger than just outfits.

That journey has now brought D-Wade into an entirely new arena: publishing. He recently took on the role of guest editor for the inaugural issue of Players magazine. The concept comes from Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld, who serves as both editor-in-chief and CEO of CR Fashion Book Ltd., the company behind the popular fashion publication originally launched by his mother, Carine Roitfeld.

In an interview featured by The New York Times, Roitfeld shared how he noticed a growing trend—athletes, he realized, often had a deeper interest in fashion than many entertainers. “Actors, when they’re not on the screen, try to have a more discreet life. But for athletes, fashion has always been important in building an identity.” That inspired him to build something that would not only appeal to fashion lovers but also speak to passionate sports audiences. And for that vision, he needed someone who naturally straddled both worlds.

[Dwyane Wade] is, Mr. Roitfeld said, “someone who really has a voice that speaks to the two industries.” On one side, Wade’s legacy in professional basketball gives him instant credibility in an industry projected to reach $52.7 billion in the U.S. by 2025. On the other his consistent involvement in fashion aligns him with the $365.70 billion apparel sector. Together, they represent a crossover market worth approximately $418.4 billion.

The first edition of Players, with the Miami Heat icon at the creative helm, pays tribute to basketball culture. It features 10 different cover stars, including Cameron Brink, Jalen Green, Spike Lee, Jordan Clarkson, Giorgio Armani, and Dwyane Wade himself. Each appears styled in top-tier labels like Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and Fear of God—brought to life through the lenses of famed photographers such as Mario Sorrenti, Quil Lemons, and Nick Knight.

Now, it’s important to understand that Wade’s goal with this endeavor runs deeper than magazine covers. He wants to give athletes the freedom to be seen beyond the sports narrative and showcase the essence of who they are. As he explained, it’s about expressing their “personalities and characters to life.”

“You can’t think about fashion without thinking of athletes now,” Wade said, “but it wasn’t always that way. It took a while for the door to open for us.” Now that it’s open, Wade is holding it wide for others to walk through with confidence and style.

Dwyane Wade had a hidden agenda at one of the biggest fashion events of the year

When D-Wade made his way onto the 2025 Met Gala carpet, most people probably assumed he was just the latest celeb showing off some high-end couture. And sure, the man looked like a million bucks—but there was more going on than just another stylish red carpet moment. In fact, if you looked a little closer, it was clear this was about more than just fashion. It was personal, professional, and perfectly timed.

Side by side with his wife Gabrielle Union-Wade, the couple lit up the night. Gabrielle stunned in a floor-sweeping black gown with a dramatic white train, her sleek hair adorned with soft white roses that added a delicate edge. Dwyane complemented her with sharp precision, dressed in a crisp white tailcoat over a sparkly shirt, finished off with timeless black pants and a classic tie. Sophisticated? Without a doubt. But that night, Wade wasn’t just there to look good.

Behind all the glam and flashes, Wade was quietly observing, taking notes. Why? The very same role of guest editor of Players that he recently assumed. Founded in 2012 and led by Carine Roitfeld, the company is branching into new territory, thanks to her son, Vladimir Restoin Roitfeld. And his latest vision? Being helmed by Dwyane Wade under a promise to the athletes that they will have the freedom to be seen beyond the sports narrative.