Everything to Know about Dwyane Wade’s Wife, Gabrielle Union

If you needed any proof of whether Dwyane Wade won at life, just look at his better half. Gabrielle Union is an A-list actress, a multi-faceted entertainer, and a witty and engaging writer. And this Hollywood star is Dwyane Wade’s wife. Since their relationship began, she’s been the former NBA pro’s biggest hype woman. Not only has she celebrated his three NBA championships and his induction into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, but she’s also helped him grow as a father and husband.

She takes her role as a hype woman very seriously, even with her children. She’s always there in the front row cheering her kids on at everything they do. Whether it’s the youngest, Kaavia’s dance recitals, or her stepdaughter, Zaya’s runway show, you’ll catch Mrs. Flash there in person. She’s also the first to defend her husband and kids. What makes Union so adored is how she keeps it real every step of the way.

Who is Dwyane Wade’s Wife, Gabrielle Union?

Born on October 29, 1972, Gabrielle Monique Union is a native of Omaha, Nebraska, and grew up in California. Her mother, Theresa, was a phone company manager and social worker. Her father, Sylvester, was a military sergeant. According to Union, her parents encouraged her to be an independent woman and took her to a pride parade to teach her perspective.

A multi-sport athlete, young Gabrielle played varsity soccer, track, and basketball at Foothill High School. She even used to date Jason Kidd, now the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks.

Union went through a number of struggles in her youth – her parents’ divorce, trying to fit in, and the like. But the biggest trauma came at the age of 19. She was sexually assaulted at gunpoint during her sophomore year at UCLA at a Payless store. Union successfully sued Payless for their negligence. She’s a true survivor, going on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology. She’s turned that trauma into strength and remains a strong voice of support for other survivors.

Like many new actors, she started in showbiz with minor roles. But they’re in cult favorites like Saved by the Bell, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, and Friends. Her claim to fame was a role in the massive cheerleading franchise, Bring It On. That opened the door to bigger casting offers like City of Angels and The Brothers.

With several critically acclaimed and diverse roles to her credit, Union is only getting better. Her most recent roles were in The Perfect Find and The Proud Family franchise. However, she’s also expanded beyond acting. The Hollywood actress is a producer and author, among other things.

She’s authored We’re Going to Need More Wine, Welcome to the Party, Shady Baby, and You Got Anything Stronger? The budding entrepreneur also launched a clothing line, a signature wine, and a haircare brand, along with partnering with established brands.

How and when did Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union meet?

Union had some well-known relationships in the past. She was married to NFL pro, Chris Howard, for about four years. Their divorce was finalized in 2006 and in February 2007, she met a rising NBA superstar, Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade. The first encounter was at a Super Bowl party both were co-hosting. Sparks weren’t flying right away, though. Part of it was because she is nine years older than Wade and he was going through a divorce himself.

Wade was still married to Siohvaughn Funches, the mother of two of his children, Zaya and Zaire Wade, when they first met. They separated in 2007 and divorced in 2010 while locked in a bitter custody battle. Union would nonetheless give him a chance and in 2010, this new couple made their relationship public at the Summer Groove Benefit Dinner in Florida.

They’d be cozying together at Wade’s All-Star basketball game soon after. They established themselves as a power couple in Hollywood and sports appearing together on the cover of Essence in 2012.

Did Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade go through a temporary separation?

There was trouble in paradise in 2013. They called their relationship off in January when their work got in the way. Wade would have a child, Xavier, with Basketball Wives star, Aja Metoyerin, during the break. The separation lasted until April 2013 and they were back together stronger than ever after that.

When did Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union get married?

The same year they got back together, Wade and Union celebrated Christmas as an engaged couple. The proposal was extra special, as Wade enlisted his kids to help him with it. They’d announce it to their social media followers on December 21, showing off the massive bling on the Hollywood actress’ finger.

They married on August 30, 2014, in Miami in front of family and friends. Their intimate wedding counted the former NBA star’s kids, Zaire, Zaya, and Xavier, along with his nephew, Dahveon, at the wedding party.

How many children do Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union have?

Union did her best as a bonus mom to Wade’s older children. At the same time, she opened up about struggling with fertility issues. She’s been open about it since 2017, including revealing her IVF treatments. On November 7, 2018, Kaavia James Union Wade was born via a surrogate. She’s Union’s first child and Wade’s fifth.

2020 was a transformative year for their family. The retired NBA pro’s daughter, Zaya Wade, then 12 years old, came out as transgender. The couple supported her publicly, becoming strong celebrity allies. With Zaya’s rising modeling career, Union has chaperoned her to shows and hyped her on social media.

Dwyane Wade clarifies wife Gabrielle Union’s comments they split everything 50/50

In 2023, Union gave insight into their home life, revealing that she and her husband divide all joint financial responsibilities equally. This raised a few eyebrows, given Wade’s massive NBA earnings.

Her hubby would come to her defense and confirm their financial arrangement. He revealed that he once commented he paid for the house and a reputed media house reported that he would never say something like that again. Therefore, when they relocated from Florida to California, they decided to split everything equitably.

How do Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union support each other’s decisions and growth?

Shortly after their engagement, Union had expressed the importance of prenuptial agreements. Wade would double down on it after talking about their finances as they’re both millionaires who want to protect their earnings. It’s an example of their mutual understanding of several important subjects.

Their kids obviously take precedence. Since Zaya’s coming out, they’ve done whatever it takes to protect her and give her a normal life. They relocated to California for her safety and shut down haters.

They’re supportive of each other’s career moves too. Wade particularly supported Union when she accused America’s Got Talent of firing her for calling out their toxic culture. He’d reveal his new tattoo in 2022, his wife’s initials inked into his wrist, as the ultimate proclamation of love.

They’re more than each other’s dates to movie premieres and Met Galas. This is a second marriage for both and they’re determined to be better spouses.