Ryan Smith's Ambitious Sporting Vision for Salt Lake City
In October, Salt Lake City witnessed a new chapter in its sporting history with the arrival of the Utah Hockey Club. This significant event marked the debut of an NHL team in the city, catalyzed by Ryan Smith, a visionary who continues to reshape the sporting landscape in Utah.
Smith, who co-founded the tech company Qualtrics, purchased the NBA’s Utah Jazz in 2020 for a hefty $1.66 billion. His venture into the realm of sports ownership extends beyond basketball. Recently, Smith made waves by acquiring the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocating them to Salt Lake City, giving birth to the Utah Hockey Club.
Smith's growing portfolio of sports investments is impressive. He holds major stakes in Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League. Within the NBA, Dwyane Wade has joined him as a limited partner of the Jazz. Smith's ambition doesn't stop at owning teams; he is also a key player in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah and is heavily involved in redevelopment projects in downtown Salt Lake City, although not without facing public scrutiny over some of these plans.
"My dream is to become an NBA owner," Ryan Smith once expressed. His dream is not merely about ownership but about active and enthusiastic participation in the sports community. With Salt Lake City now boasting four professional sports teams, fans find themselves at the center of Smith's inclusive and vibrant sports culture. "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 Gentry Anderson, capturing the sense of community Smith fosters.
Dwyane Wade, part of Smith's sports journey, humorously noted, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." His comment underscores the enthusiasm and unexpected adventures that come with being part of Smith's expanding sports empire.
Another intriguing aspect of Smith's involvement in the community is his connection with Brigham Young University (BYU). He co-teaches a business class there, contributing to the university not out of obligation but out of gratitude. "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 shared. His commitment to fostering talent is evident in the story of A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect who chose BYU, enticed by a substantial NIL financial package.
The integration of Smith into Salt Lake City's sports framework extends to his personal life, where his wife Ashley Smith plays a crucial role. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," she noted. Their partnership in business and sports draws from a shared vision that has proven successful time and again.
Ryan Smith is not just assembling teams but weaving a tapestry of sports excellence and community involvement. His active role in sports ownership is not merely about fiscal gain but about laying foundations for future generations. As he puts it, "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in." This philosophy pushes for transparency and participation at all levels of involvement.
As Salt Lake City continues to evolve under Smith's watchful eye, the community embraces a future where sports are a central pillar of its identity. From basketball courts to hockey rinks, and soccer fields to academic halls, Ryan Smith’s influence and vision for Utah's sports scene are as vast as they are promising.