In a city brimming with sporting enthusiasm, Salt Lake City has emerged as a vibrant hub for professional sports, now home to four major professional clubs. At the heart of this transformation is Ryan Smith, a visionary entrepreneur whose ambitious undertakings have reshaped the landscape of Utah's sports scene.
Building a Sporting Empire
Ryan Smith, known for co-founding the groundbreaking experience management company Qualtrics, has become a pivotal figure in Salt Lake City's sporting community. His venture into the sports world began with a monumental $1.66 billion acquisition of the Utah Jazz in 2020, a move that signaled a new era for the city's basketball ambitions. Smith, now a major stakeholder, has teamed up with NBA legend Dwyane Wade, who joined as a limited partner, enhancing the Jazz's stature both on and off the court.
"My dream is to become an NBA owner," Smith once expressed, capturing the essence of his larger-than-life ambitions. The synergy between Smith and Wade is more than just a business partnership. Wade passionately shared, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," underscoring his newfound excitement in being part of the Utah sports scene.
The Arrival of the Utah Hockey Club
Smith's reach extends beyond basketball. In a strategic move, he acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocated them to Salt Lake City, rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. This significant development not only introduced professional hockey to Utah but also reaffirmed the city's growing diversity in sports entertainment.
The arrival of the Utah Hockey Club is a testament to Smith's dedication to diversifying and enriching the local sports landscape. His investment in Salt Lake City's downtown redevelopment further reiterates his commitment not just to sports, but to the city's overall growth and prosperity. However, it's an initiative that hasn't been free from public scrutiny, as residents and stakeholders actively discuss the implications of such urban changes.
Engaging with Community and Education
Smith's influence isn't confined to professional sports alone. His engagement with Brigham Young University, where he co-teaches a business class, highlights his dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders. "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 conveyed, demonstrating his deep ties with the educational institution.
In alignment with his educational contributions, Smith has been instrumental in attracting top talents to Utah, including A.J. Dybantsa, a elite high school basketball prospect who committed to BYU with a notable NIL financial package. Smith's ability to blend sports, education, and business acumen is part of what makes his vision for Utah so compelling.
A Bright Future for Utah Sports
Furthermore, Smith and his wife, Ashley, hold stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, further expanding their reach within the professional sports domain. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," Ashley Smith remarked, reflecting their collaborative approach to sports management.
The couple's comprehensive investment in Utah's sports infrastructure also includes efforts to bring the 2034 Winter Olympics to the state, a move set to put Utah on the global sports map. "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in," emphasized Ryan Smith, encapsulating his commitment to inclusivity and collaboration across his ventures.
As Salt Lake City thrives with its now four professional clubs, the community celebrates the unique culture Smith has cultivated. Gentry Anderson, a local sports fan, aptly stated, "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."
This burgeoning sports empire in Salt Lake City symbolizes more than just athletic competitions; it reflects a vibrant community engaged with its teams, spearheaded by a visionary whose ambitions continue to galvanize Utah's sporting potential.