If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably seen the "Wade World Tour" posts. Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade aren't just a couple; they're basically a cultural institution at this point. Honestly, it’s hard to remember a time when they weren't the "it" pair of Hollywood and the NBA.
But, like, who is Gabrielle Union married to specifically, and how did they actually get here? It wasn't exactly a straight line from point A to point B.
The Wade-Union Connection: More Than Just a Famous Last Name
Gabrielle Union is married to Dwyane Wade, the legendary former NBA shooting guard who spent most of his career making history with the Miami Heat. He’s a three-time champion, an Olympic gold medalist, and as of 2023, a Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer. But to Gabrielle, he’s just "D."
They met back in 2007. They were both co-hosting a Super Bowl party, which sounds super glamorous, but Gabrielle has joked that it was anything but "love at first sight." Dwyane was apparently on one side of the room being quiet—even doing Bible study—while Gabrielle was on the other side ready to party.
At the time, both were coming off previous marriages. Gabrielle had been married to former NFL player Chris Howard (they split in 2005 and finalized things in 2006). Dwyane was in the middle of a very public, very messy divorce from his high school sweetheart, Siohvaughn Funches.
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The Timeline That Kept Us Guessing
They didn't actually start dating until 2009. They went public in 2010 at a charity event in Florida. But here’s the thing—it hasn't always been perfect. People love the "power couple" narrative, but they’ve been refreshingly blunt about their struggles.
- 2013 Breakup: They actually split for a few months in early 2013. Gabrielle cited "distance and scheduling."
- The "Break Baby": During that brief split, Dwyane fathered a son, Xavier, with a longtime friend. Most couples would have folded right there.
- The Engagement: Despite the drama, they reconciled. On December 21, 2013, Dwyane enlisted his kids to help him propose with an 8.5-carat diamond.
- The Wedding: They tied the knot on August 30, 2014, at Chateau Artisan in Miami. It was a black-and-white themed "Wade Union" affair.
Building a Blended Family in the Spotlight
One of the reasons people are so obsessed with who Gabrielle Union is married to is how they handle their family. They aren't just raising one kid; they have a full house.
Dwyane has two children from his first marriage, Zaire and Zaya. He also has his son Xavier, and he is the legal guardian of his nephew, Dahveon Morris. Gabrielle has been very open about the fact that she didn't initially see herself as a mother. She told People that she "never wanted kids" until she became a stepmom to Dwyane's crew.
Then came Kaavia James.
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After years of struggling with infertility—Gabrielle revealed she had "eight or nine" miscarriages due to adenomyosis—they welcomed Kaavia via surrogate in November 2018. Kaavia, better known as "Shady Baby" on the internet, basically runs the household now.
Parenting and Advocacy in 2026
Fast forward to right now, January 2026. The couple is still going strong. Just this morning, January 17, 2026, Gabrielle was posting about Dwyane's 44th birthday. They recently rang in the New Year together in Kyoto, Japan.
They’ve also become massive advocates. When Zaya came out as transgender in 2020, the Wades didn't just support her privately; they used their platform to fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Dwyane famously said at the Elevate Prize Catalyst Awards that he’s "just a parent doing what a good parent should do."
Why Their Marriage Still Matters
Honestly, what makes this marriage work—or at least what they tell us—is a lot of therapy and a very strict prenup. Gabrielle was adamant about the prenup because of her past experiences. She’s joked that she’s never even seen Dwyane balance a checkbook, so she had to "protect her stuff."
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They also work together. Just announced for February 2026, they are both lending their voices to an animated sports movie called GOAT. It’s a rare professional crossover for them, with Dwyane voicing a bull named Rosette and Gabrielle playing a legendary player named Jett Fillmore.
Quick Facts: The Wade-Union Stats
- Married Since: August 30, 2014
- Dwyane's Age (as of Jan 2026): 44
- Gabrielle's Age (as of Jan 2026): 53
- Primary Residence: Hidden Hills, California (though they spend plenty of time in Miami)
- Children: Zaire, Zaya, Xavier, Kaavia James, and Dahveon (nephew)
Final Thoughts on the Wade Union
So, who is Gabrielle Union married to? She's married to a guy who isn't afraid to evolve. From NBA superstar to "Instagram Husband" and outspoken advocate, Dwyane Wade has changed a lot since that 2007 Super Bowl party.
If you're looking to follow their journey more closely, keep an eye on Gabrielle’s Instagram for those Japan travel vlogs or wait for their movie GOAT to hit theaters next month. Their story is a reminder that "happily ever after" usually involves a lot of work, a few restarts, and a whole lot of transparency.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Gabrielle Union's memoir, We're Going to Need More Wine, for the raw details on her early years with Dwyane.
- Watch for the release of GOAT on February 13, 2026, to see their first major animated collaboration.
- Follow the "Shady Baby" (Kaavia James) social media accounts if you want to see what their daily family life actually looks like.