Will the Gamecube's Wavebird controllers work with Wii?

The Wavebird does work on the Wii. It uses the same ports.

If we have Wii Remotes and GameCube controllers, is there any need to buy Wii Classic controllers too? I think we have all bases covered but I can't get a clear answer from salespeople or Nintendo customer support.

There aren't any games on the virtual console that require you to have a Classic Controller. If you have gamecube stuff, you'll be able to play any of those downloaded games.

I felt this way too at first, but playing something like SFII on a wavebird sucked. For a twenty spot, the classic is worth it.

I agree with Jason. Nintendo doesn't allow you to map specific button functions, leaving you with an often awkward control scheme. This is probably Nintendo's way of forcing us to shell out $20 to buy their Classic Controller.

It's probably worth giving each game a try with the GameCube controller first.

Thanks. You've told me exactly what I need to know and better info. than I got from customer service people.

I bought a classic controller to play pickmin 1 & 2 which my latin teacher lent me. I was so angry with Nintendo when I found it didn't work.
That's the sort of mistake you would expect from Sony, not Nintendo.
Although the Classic controller does have a button that the Gamecube controller had. Its the one on the top which lifts up a grate or something.
Even Nintendo admitted they don't know what this does.
(The one at the top exactly in the middle.)