When Ryan Smith stepped into the world of professional sports ownership, few might have anticipated the sweeping changes and aspirations he would bring to Utah’s sports landscape. Already a major stakeholder, Smith holds a significant role in the remodeling of Salt Lake City into a veritable hub of professional sports excitement.
Expanding Utah's Sports Scene
Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics, stunned the sports community with his purchase of the Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020. Since then, he has expanded his influence, venturing beyond the hardwood into the icy arenas of hockey. By acquiring the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, Smith moved the team to Salt Lake City, rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club, marking their debut in October. This monumental move not only brought NHL excitement to Utah but also expanded Salt Lake City's roster of professional teams to four, joining the NBA's Jazz, Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake, and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. As Gentry Anderson put it, "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." Such presence in the stands has endeared Smith to the community, reflecting his commitment to being more than just a passive owner.
A Visionary Approach
The scope of Smith's vision is profound, as he not only focuses on building strong teams but also on the infrastructure supporting them. His plans for downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment have been ambitious, albeit facing some public scrutiny. Nonetheless, Smith remains undeterred, pressing forward with his rejuvenation plans to create a vibrant urban sports center. His engagement is not just limited to real estate but extends deeply into the sociocultural fabric, as evidenced by his instrumental role in potentially bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah.
Smith's passion for Utah and sports appears to be deeply personal. As he once expressed, "My dream is to become an NBA owner." It's a dream that's already come true, yet continues to evolve as he ushers in a new era of sporting excellence in Utah.
A Partnership on and off the Court
Complementing Smith in this journey is Ashley Smith, his partner both in life and enterprise. Their collaborative dynamics are crucial to their collective success, as Ashley insightfully reflected, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths." Together, they have become influential forces in Utah’s sports culture, holding stakes in teams that span much of Utah's sporting map.
Salt Lake City has not just become a focal point for sports teams. Even in academia, Smith's impact is evident. His engagement with Brigham Young University (BYU), where he co-teaches a business class, reflects his dedication to the community. Ryan Smith’s connection with BYU is personal, declaring, "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot."
Expanding Horizons
Smith's initiative has even reached into the realm of collegiate sports recruitment. A.J. Dybantsa, noted as a top high school basketball prospect, chose BYU due in part to a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial package, another example of how Smith’s influence–and perhaps his philosophy of opportunity–permeates through multiple layers of sports, education, and community building.
Another notable figure becoming part of this growing community is Dwyane Wade, a limited partner of the Utah Jazz. Wade's presence adds further star power to the Jazz and, by extension, to Salt Lake City's burgeoning sports profile. Sharing in the community's excitement, Wade once playfully remarked, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," indicating his enthusiastic participation in the city’s new sporting venture.
Ryan Smith thus stands as a testament to bold visions and the drive to realize seemingly boundless potential. His journey exemplifies a new breed of sports owners who interweave community engagement with business acumen to create a thriving sports ecosystem.
As Utah blossoms under Smith's stewardship, the state’s evolving identity as a sports haven becomes evident–a place where dreams on the court, field, or ice find a home rooted in passion and forward-thinking vision.