Ryan Smith's Ambitions Transform Utah's Sporting Landscape
In the dynamic arena of sports ownership, few figures stand as prominently as Ryan Smith. With an audacious vision and a penchant for reimagining possibilities, Smith has been reshaping Salt Lake City's sports scene, most recently by orchestrating the move of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes to Utah. His strategic rebranding of the team as the Utah Hockey Club has further cemented his influence in the area.
Debuting in Salt Lake City just this October, the Utah Hockey Club signifies a new era for Utah's sports fans. Smith's ambition doesn't stop there. He continues to be a critical force behind efforts to bring the 2034 Winter Olympics to the region, indicating his commitment to establishing Utah as a hub for world-class sports.
Smith's journey into sports ownership began with his landmark purchase of the Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020. As a significant stakeholder, he has not only contributed financially but also invigorated the team's cultural ethos. This is exemplified by the presence of basketball legend Dwyane Wade, who is a limited partner of the Utah Jazz. Wade's excitement is palpable as he remarked, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," reflecting the broadening appeal of Smith's sports ventures.
Diversified Sports Investments
Smith's interests extend beyond basketball and hockey. Alongside his wife Ashley, he holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. This diversified investment portfolio underscores the Smiths' confidence in Utah's potential as a sporting powerhouse.
Ashley Smith appreciates the synergy they bring to their endeavors, saying, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths." This collaboration is a cornerstone of their successful foray into sports ownership. Enthusiasts like Gentry Anderson reflect on the couple's approachable nature, noting, "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."
Beyond Sports: A Broader Vision
Smith's influence reaches beyond the sporting arena, his engagement with Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans showcases his broader vision for the community. However, such involvement has not been without scrutiny, as his plans have faced public challenges. Yet, his relentless pursuit for innovation remains unfazed.
His commitment to local development is also visible in his involvement with Brigham Young University (BYU), where he co-teaches a business class. "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot," Smith shares, underscoring his personal ties with the institution. This relationship has recently attracted top high school basketball prospect A.J. Dybantsa to BYU, with rumors of a significant NIL financial package motivating his decision.
Future Aspirations
Smith's enthusiasm for sports ownership remains unabated. "My dream is to become an NBA owner," he admits, indicating that his current portfolio might only be the beginning of his ambitions. His visionary approach and ability to nurture collaborative environments, as he notes, "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in," sets a blueprint for modern sports ownership.
The arrival of the Utah Hockey Club adds to a swelling roster of professional teams in Salt Lake City, now home to four professional sports clubs. Each club represents a thread in the expansive tapestry Smith continues to weave, propelling Utah into the national sports spotlight. His journey from the co-founder of Qualtrics to a sports magnate stands as a testament to what vision combined with purpose-driven action can achieve — an integration of sporting excellence and community enrichment.