Utah's Sports Scene Transformed Under Visionary Ryan Smith
Salt Lake City is becoming a burgeoning hub for professional sports, and at the heart of this transformation stands entrepreneur Ryan Smith. Known for his co-founding of Qualtrics, Smith has been making waves in the world of sports since purchasing the Utah Jazz in 2020 for $1.66 billion. Now, his ambitions have extended beyond basketball, bringing unprecedented changes to Utah's sports landscape.
Smith's latest venture involves the acquisition and relocation of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City. Rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, this development marks the debut of professional hockey in the city—a move that has generated significant excitement among sports enthusiasts. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," admits Dwyane Wade, a limited partner in the Utah Jazz, capturing the astonishment and enthusiasm that has permeated the community.
In addition to his NHL endeavors, Smith has stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, reinforcing his deep commitment to fostering a thriving sports culture in the region. These investments have helped propel Salt Lake City into a rare spotlight as a city boasting four professional sports clubs, a distinction rich with potential for both societal and economic vitality.
Ryan Smith has not worked alone in seeking the transformation of downtown Salt Lake City. In collaboration with community leaders and other stakeholders, he's actively engaged in redevelopment plans aimed at revitalizing the area. Yet, the ambitious nature of these plans has not been without controversy, as public scrutiny highlights concerns over the scale and impact of such changes.
The Smith family has a long-standing affiliation with Brigham Young University (BYU), a connection that further enriches their influence. Ryan, who co-teaches a business class at BYU, expresses a heartfelt commitment to his alma mater: "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot," he acknowledges, reflecting the depth of this relationship.
A notable example of this connection is A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect who recently chose BYU, securing a significant financial package through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities. Such moves demonstrate the potential for BYU to attract top-tier talent, further intertwining the institution's success with Smith's overarching vision for the region.
Smith's commitment to sports and community does not stop there. He is instrumental in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah, an event that would place Salt Lake City on an international stage and potentially elevate the area's status in the global sports community.
The visionary entrepreneur's journey has not been without its challenges. Publicly vocal about the importance of inclusivity in his ventures, Smith notes, "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don’t speak, they can’t be all-in." His words underscore a leadership style that champions collaboration and diverse perspectives, a philosophy echoed in his business and sports endeavors alike.
Amidst these developments, the community feels a certain kinship with Smith, as articulated by Gentry Anderson: "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 sentiments illustrate the local admiration for Smith's approachable nature and his commitment to genuine engagement with fans.
As Salt Lake City continues to evolve under the stewardship of Ryan Smith, the intersection of sports, business, and community lays a foundation for ambitious growth. Whether through his work in hockey, soccer, or basketball, Smith is crafting a legacy that promises to enrich not only the athletic but also the social fabric of Utah. His dream, as he candidly shares, is simple yet profound: "My dream is to become an NBA owner." In witnessing his journey thus far, it's evident this dream extends well beyond personal ambition, encompassing a transformative vision for an entire state.