Ryan Smith: Transforming Utah into a Sporting Powerhouse
Ryan Smith, the tech entrepreneur renowned for co-founding Qualtrics, is increasingly becoming a dominant figure in Utah's sports landscape. His recent acquisition and relocation of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, now known as the Utah Hockey Club, exemplifies his commitment to enhancing the state's sports reputation.
Smith's vision extends beyond the rink. He has built a robust portfolio that includes co-ownership of the Utah Jazz with retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade. The Jazz acquisition in 2020, for a staggering $1.66 billion, marked just the beginning of Smith's sports quest. He also holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, bringing a diverse range of sports experiences to the Utah community.
Opening night for the Utah Hockey Club featured a star-studded affair, with celebrities like Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union gracing the event. Wade, who is also a limited partner of both the Jazz and the new hockey club, humorously remarked on the night's significance, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
Smith's Influence on Utah Sports
Smith's influence goes beyond team ownership. He played a pivotal role in the successful bid to bring the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah, representing the state in a delegation sent to Paris. His efforts extend into education as well; he contributes as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, further cementing his involvement in the community. Despite his deep ties to the university, Smith clarified that he remains financially uninvolved in A.J. Dybantsa's lucrative NIL deal, rumored to be between $4 million to $7 million, which was secured upon Dybantsa's commitment to BYU.
Beyond sports and education, Smith is spearheading initiatives to reinvigorate downtown Salt Lake City, a move anticipated to attract more visitors to the area and boost local businesses. His holistic approach to community development underscores his desire to make Utah a truly vibrant place to live and visit.
A Vision for Broadcast Innovation
Smith's ambitions aren't limited to team management and urban development. He's also keen on redefining sports entertainment. In a conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Smith expressed an innovative vision for the future, stating, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." This forward-thinking approach highlights his readiness to embrace emerging technologies and ideas to enhance fan experiences.
Appreciation from Fans
Fans have taken notice of Smith's commitment to Utah sports. Gentry Anderson captured the fan sentiment, noting the unique experience of having a major team owner actively engage with the local community. "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," Anderson shared.
Smith's journey from tech entrepreneur to sports magnate reflects his relentless pursuit of opportunity and innovation. As he aptly put it, "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 mindset is reshaping Utah's sports scene and setting broader aspirations for community and sports enthusiasts alike.