In a landmark moment for sports in Salt Lake City, the Utah Hockey Club has made its highly anticipated debut this October. This development marks the city's growing reputation as a burgeoning hub for professional sports, a vision largely realized by Ryan Smith, a prominent figure in Utah's sports and business landscape.
Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics, is no stranger to ambitious ventures. In 2020, he made headlines by purchasing the Utah Jazz for an impressive $1.66 billion. Beyond his role as a major stakeholder in the Jazz, Smith has extended his influence by acquiring the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating them to Salt Lake City, and rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. This strategic move not only adds another dimension to Salt Lake City's sports offerings but also solidifies Smith's reputation as a transformative figure in the world of sports ownership.
A Vision for Utah's Sports Scene
Ryan Smith's ambitions stretch well beyond hockey. With stakes in MLS's Real Salt Lake and NWSL's Utah Royals, he aims to make Salt Lake City a premier sports destination. His recent involvement in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah further underscores his commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture in the region.
Despite his lack of formal ties to Brigham Young University (BYU), Smith remains deeply engaged with the institution and teaches a business class there. “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 expressed, highlighting his dedication to nurturing future business leaders.
A Personal Touch to Ownership
Smith's approach to sports ownership is notably hands-on. His investment in the community shines through as he actively participates in Salt Lake City's downtown redevelopment plans, despite facing some public scrutiny. This candid relationship with the public is echoed by fans, some of whom have noted that it's "surreal to have three sports teams [four professional clubs] here now in Utah owned by someone who will come hang out with the fans," according to Gentry Anderson, a devoted follower.
Risk-taking isn't a foreign concept to Ryan Smith, with his dream of owning an NBA team seemingly coming to fruition, not just in acquiring the Jazz but by cultivating a sense of unity among Utah's sports teams. “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 stated, reflecting his inclusive philosophy on engagement and collaboration.
Stars in the Making
Additionally, Smith's influence resonates with rising sports talents. Take, for instance, A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, who chose BYU partly due to a significant NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) financial package. This aligns with Smith's larger vision of integrating sports with educational and professional opportunities, indicative of his strategic acumen in harnessing potential both on and off the field.
The Influence of Partners
The dynamics of Ryan's business and sports ventures are also shaped by his partnership with his wife, Ashley Smith. Her influence is immeasurable, and by Ryan's admission, “We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths." Together, they make a formidable team, balancing each other’s strengths to propel their endeavors forward.
Even Dwyane Wade, a limited partner of the Utah Jazz and an NBA legend, has been impacted by the vibrancy of Utah’s evolving sports scene. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I’d do that in my life," Wade remarked, capturing the essence of excitement swirling around Salt Lake City's sports offerings.
With such synergy and passion fueling his projects, Ryan Smith’s trajectory continues to leave an indelible mark on Utah’s sports ethos. His strategic acquisitions and community-focused mindset represent a shift in traditional sports ownership, blending business acumen with community engagement. As Salt Lake City now proudly hosts four professional sports clubs, Smith's vision is not just about expanding a sports empire, but also fostering a thriving cultural and community landmark that contributes to Utah's prominence on the national, and possibly international, stage.