As the world of professional sports increasingly embraces transformative change, Ryan Smith has emerged as a pioneering figure in Utah’s burgeoning sports scene. Already a familiar name in tech and the NBA, Smith recently expanded his influence by acquiring the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes and relocating them to Salt Lake City. The rebranded Utah Hockey Club has sparked excitement and enthusiasm within the local community.
On opening night, the Utah Hockey Club garnered significant attention, thanks in part to the presence of celebrities such as Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard, has a personal stake in the success of the team, being a limited partner of both the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club. Echoing the excitement of many fans, Wade once exclaimed, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
Smith's strategic business acumen shines through not only in the realm of hockey but across a spectrum of professional sports. In 2020, he acquired the Utah Jazz for a whopping $1.66 billion, establishing a deep-rooted connection with the NBA team alongside his co-ownership with Wade. Further cementing his sports legacy, Smith holds stakes in Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Utah Royals.
Beyond the playing field, Smith's influence extends into the community and the economy. He played a significant role in Utah’s successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, navigating a complex international delegation in Paris, which promises to bring global attention and economic benefits to the region. Equally ambitious are his plans to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown area, contributing to an urban revival that aligns with Utah’s growing prominence in the sports world.
Smith's commitment to education is equally commendable. Serving as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, he inspires students with his journey from co-founding Qualtrics, a tech company sold to SAP for $8 billion, to becoming a key player in sports. However, he maintains a clear boundary in his professional and educational endeavors, stating his non-involvement in the NIL deal of A.J. Dybantsa, a young athlete committed to Brigham Young University, despite rumors of its lucrative value ranging from $4 million to $7 million.
The presence of three professional sports teams in Utah owned by Smith underscores a significant evolution within the state’s sports environment. Gentry Anderson, reflecting on Smith’s impact, expressed, "It's been surreal to be able to have three sports teams [four professional clubs] here now in Utah owned by someone who will come hang out with the fans." This sentiment captures Smith's unique blend of approachability and visionary leadership—a rare combination that endears him to fans and athletes alike.
Ryan Smith embodies a philosophy rooted in self-determination and hard work. As he explained, "No one's really given me anything in life. If you wanted something, you have to go get it. It just doesn't happen any other way." This belief has not only shaped his personal success but also invigorated Utah’s sports offerings with a sense of ambition and possibility.
Looking to the future, Smith's role in the evolution of sports broadcasting is noteworthy. Engaging in conversations with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, he candidly suggested, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts," signaling his readiness to innovate and redefine fan engagement across mediums.
Through strategic acquisitions and a holistic vision for Utah’s sports future, Ryan Smith is reshaping the state’s athletic landscape, providing fans with unprecedented opportunities to engage with professional sports. As he continues to influence sports culture and community development, Smith remains a pivotal figure in the ongoing narrative of Utah’s ascent in the world of sports.