Utah's Sports Landscape Transformed by Visionary Ownership
This October, Salt Lake City has emerged as a burgeoning hub for professional sports, with the debut of the Utah Hockey Club signaling a new era. This transformation is credited to the vision and financial prowess of Ryan Smith, whose ambitious ventures have redefined the city's sporting landscape.
Ryan Smith, the co-founder of Qualtrics, has dramatically changed Utah's athletic scene since his blockbuster $1.66 billion purchase of the Utah Jazz in 2020. Smith not only holds a major stake in the NBA franchise, but his influence extends beyond basketball. Recently, he bought the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating and rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club, a move that has energized local hockey fans. Dwyane Wade, a limited partner in the Jazz, expressed his excitement over the fast-changing scene, exclaiming, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
The newly minted hockey team marks just one facet of Smith's audacious strategy to elevate Utah on the sports map. Alongside his wife Ashley, Smith has acquired stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. The couple's commitment to enriching the region's sports infrastructure reflects their broader vision for Utah's future, with Ashley Smith acknowledging the power of collaboration: "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths."
Salt Lake City's current roster of professional teams now stands at four, a fact not lost on local sports enthusiasts like Gentry Anderson. "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," remarked Anderson, capturing the essence of a community rallied around its teams.
Smith's impact isn't confined to sports alone. His involvement in the redevelopment of downtown Salt Lake City is a testament to his investment in the area's broader socio-economic growth, although his plans have faced public scrutiny. Still, his proactive approach continues to foster new opportunities, including his instrumental role in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah.
In the realm of academia, Smith maintains a strong connection with Brigham Young University, where he co-teaches a business class. His sentiment towards the institution is personal and profound. "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 reflected, underscoring his deeply rooted ties to the educational community. This relationship recently yielded a significant milestone as A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, chose BYU, drawn by a lucrative NIL financial package that hints at the university's increasing allure for elite athletes.
Despite the rapid expansion and high-profile investments, Smith has no plans to stop. His personal vision includes reaching new heights, as he candidly expressed his aspirations: "My dream is to become an NBA owner." Such ambition fuels Utah's renaissance as a sports capital, driven by his passion for inclusivity and engagement. "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in," he asserted, advocating for a participatory culture both in sports and business.
In just a few short years, Ryan Smith has undeniably reshaped the sports identity of Utah. His strategic acquisitions and dedication to local development ensure that the legacy he's building will be felt for generations. As Salt Lake City embraces its new status, fans and residents alike eagerly anticipate the continued evolution of a city poised to make its mark on the global sports stage.