In a bold move that shocked the hockey world, tech mogul and sports enthusiast Ryan Smith has taken the NHL's Arizona Coyotes under his wing, relocating the team to Salt Lake City and rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. The relocation is not just a shift in geography; it represents a strategic expansion of Smith's gripping influence in the world of sports, as the team joins a burgeoning sports scene in Utah.
The opening night of the Utah Hockey Club marked more than just a fresh chapter for the franchise. It was a star-studded affair, headlined by the presence of retired NBA legend Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union. Dwyane Wade, who has seamlessly transitioned from basketball prowess to a partner in sports ownership, remains a key figure. His remark, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," reflects his deepening involvement in Utah’s emerging sports culture.
Wade, a Basketball Hall of Fame guard, has cultivated a strong professional relationship with Ryan Smith. As limited partners, they own the Utah Jazz, which Smith acquired for a staggering $1.66 billion in 2020. Their mutual interests and entrepreneurial spirit have now drawn them into the realm of hockey, with Wade sharing ownership stakes in the newly minted Utah Hockey Club. For Utah’s sports fans, the presence of such heavyweights signifies an exciting prospect of growth and expansion.
But Smith's ambitions do not stop at basketball and hockey. He holds substantial stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, further testifying to his multi-sport investment strategy. Smith's knack for business and his tireless dedication to enhancing Utah's sports landscape is reshaping the state’s identity.
Beyond the rink and the hardwood, Smith has a vision that extends to Utah's cultural and infrastructural development. As an integral figure in the successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, Smith has shown that his ventures are not limited to just purchasing teams. His involvement underscores a commitment to revitalize Salt Lake City's downtown, underscoring the tenacious entrepreneurial spirit that defines his career.
A large part of Smith's success stems from his approach to challenges, best encapsulated in his declaration, "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 ethos has propelled him to significant heights, including the co-founding of Qualtrics, which was acquired by SAP for a headline-grabbing $8 billion. It’s a testament to his transformative vision, one that now sees potential in the fields of sports and urban development.
Meanwhile, the collegiate sports scene in Utah is also gaining attention, partly due to the high-profile commitment of rising talent A.J. Dybantsa to Brigham Young University. Rumors swirl about a dazzling NIL deal valued between $4 million to $7 million. Though Smith is not financially involved in this deal, his role as a guest lecturer at the university exemplifies his connection to the educational fabric of Utah’s sporting institutions.
Gentry Anderson, a local observer, captured the community’s excitement by noting, "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 hands-on approach from Smith differentiates him from many owners who remain distant from the fanbase, aligning him closely with the community he so keenly supports.
Ryan Smith’s relationship with the NBA extends into the media landscape, marked by his conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." Such statements reflect his willingness to push boundaries and pioneer new territories in sports media and entertainment.
Smith’s complex web of ventures shows no sign of slowing. With a unique amalgamation of sports franchises and his relentless push towards hosting global sporting events, he is leveraging his business acumen to create a formidable sports empire. As he continues to weave his influence through multiple sports disciplines in Utah, fans and stakeholders alike are eagerly watching what innovative move he will make next.