Ryan Smith's Transformative Influence on Utah Sports
In recent years, Utah has emerged as a formidable presence on the professional sports landscape, largely due to the ambitious vision and investment of Ryan Smith. Known for co-founding Qualtrics, Smith has not only become a major stakeholder in the Utah Jazz but has expanded his influence across the sporting industry in the state. From the NHL to soccer, Smith's ventures testify to his commitment to transforming Salt Lake City into a bustling hub for sports enthusiasts.
Smith's journey as a sports investor gained significant momentum when he acquired the Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020. As a major stakeholder, Smith's passion for basketball is shared by his colleague, Dwyane Wade, who is a limited partner in the franchise. Wade recalls a moment emblematic of his newfound enthusiasm for life in Utah, saying, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." This quote encapsulates the excitement surrounding the state's burgeoning sports scene.
In a bold move, Smith extended his influence to the NHL by purchasing the Arizona Coyotes and relocating them to Salt Lake City, where they rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club. The debut of this team in October marked a new era for hockey fans in the region and added another layer to Utah's growing sports ecosystem. Smith’s initiative has helped solidify Salt Lake City as a city with four thriving professional sports clubs, fostering a sense of pride and anticipation among local fans.
Smith's aspirations do not end with his current holdings. Speaking on his ambitions, he candidly expressed, "My dream is to become an NBA owner." This goal signifies his desire to further engrain himself and Utah in the larger sports sphere. He is already heavily involved in downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans, a project that could enhance the urban experience for residents and visitors alike. Despite facing public scrutiny, Smith's steadfast dedication to these plans reaffirms his commitment to the area.
Beyond his ventures in basketball and hockey, Smith and his wife, Ashley, have invested in soccer, securing stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. This expansion into other sports leagues underscores the Smiths' comprehensive approach to integrating sports and community development. Ashley Smith acknowledged the partnership's synergy, noting, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths."
Smith's deep ties to Brigham Young University (BYU) also play a significant role in his narrative. Not only does he co-teach a business class there, but he is actively involved with the university's athletic programs. Commenting on his affiliation, Smith states, "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot." His engagement with BYU reflects a personal commitment to fostering educational and athletic excellence in Utah.
In what may be a nod to the lucrative potential of college sports, A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, recently chose BYU, lured by a significant NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) financial package. This decision exemplifies the growing influence of NIL deals in collegiate athletics and the potential they hold for attracting premier talent to universities like BYU.
For fans and residents, the influx of professional sports, spearheaded by entrepreneurs like Ryan Smith, has invigorated community spirit. Gentry Anderson, a resident and sports enthusiast, captures the sentiment aptly: "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 personal touch has endeared Smith to many and underscores the unique relationship between Utah's sports franchises and their supporters.
As Salt Lake City continues to evolve, hosting four major sports affiliations further highlights Utah's potential as a vibrant sports metropolis. Ryan Smith's undeniable influence across these teams and initiatives heralds an exciting future for Utah's sports fans—one that is characterized by growth, ambition, and community engagement.