In a transformative year for Salt Lake City's sports community, several pivotal events have redrawn the landscape of professional athletics in Utah. At the center of these developments stands Ryan Smith, a notable entrepreneur and sports enthusiast whose influence extends across the city's burgeoning sports scene. With a keen eye for opportunity and a relentless drive to bolster Utah's presence on the national sports stage, Smith is not only reshaping local sports but is also fostering a renewed sense of community and excitement.
The Birth of the Utah Hockey Club
A landmark moment arrived in October when Salt Lake City witnessed the debut of the Utah Hockey Club. This came after Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics and a prominent figure in the local sports industry, masterminded the acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes. Smith relocated the team to Salt Lake City, thereby establishing the city's fourth professional sports club and breathing new life into the state's athletic offerings.
The arrival of the Utah Hockey Club, however, is just one thread in the intricate tapestry of Smith's sports ventures.
An Influential Sports Tycoon
Ryan Smith is not new to making headlines in Utah. In 2020, he made waves with the purchase of the Utah Jazz for a hefty $1.66 billion. His impact on the team extends beyond mere ownership; he brought aboard NBA legend Dwyane Wade as a limited partner. Wade, who humorously confessed, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," has become an enthusiastic participant in Smith's vision for Utah's sports culture.
Smith's ambitions do not stop with hockey and basketball. He and his wife, Ashley Smith, hold significant stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, showcasing their commitment to a wide spectrum of sports.
Revitalizing Downtown Salt Lake City
Beyond the realm of sports, Ryan Smith is equally invested in the broader development of Salt Lake City. He is actively involved in plans to redevelop the downtown area, an undertaking met with public scrutiny. Yet, Smith remains undeterred, his vision rooted in creating a thriving urban center that complements the city's sports expansion. "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in," Smith stated, underscoring his inclusive approach to community engagement.
A Stake in the Future
Education and mentorship also play a critical role in Smith's endeavors. He is connected to Brigham Young University (BYU), where he co-teaches a business class. His commitment to BYU is deeply personal: "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot," he reflects.
This involvement extends to nurturing young talent, evident in top high school basketball prospect A.J. Dybantsa's decision to choose BYU, swayed by a significant NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) financial package. Such a move signals Smith's keen interest in fostering future generations of athletes, ensuring that the ecosystem surrounding sports in Utah is as robust as the teams themselves.
Toward a Sporting Future in Utah
As Utah's sporting identity continues to evolve, Smith's contributions are undeniably pivotal. He is also a key figure in the efforts to bring the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah, an undertaking that could further cement the state's reputation as a major sporting destination. This vision aligns with sentiments echoed by local fans enamored with the accessibility of sports ownership figures like Smith. Gentry Anderson, a fan, encapsulated the community's gratitude: "It's been surreal to have three sports teams [four professional clubs] here now in Utah owned by someone who will come hang out with the fans."
There is an unmistakable excitement and a sense of possibility surrounding Salt Lake City's metamorphosis into a sports haven. Ryan Smith, with his business acumen and genuine passion for sports and the community, continues to drive transformative changes. His aspirations, which just a few years ago might have seemed lofty, are steadily coming to fruition, promising a dynamic and inclusive future for sports in Utah.