In a captivating twist of fate, Ryan Smith, a name synonymous with tech brilliance and sports entrepreneurship, is reshaping Utah's sporting landscape. Smith, having co-founded Qualtrics—a company he successfully sold to SAP for a staggering $8 billion—has embarked on an ambitious streak of investments across the Utah sports scene.
**From the Desert to the Mountains**
Among Smith's most audacious moves is the acquisition and relocation of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. This strategic maneuver not only sheds light on Smith's expanding sports portfolio but also positions Salt Lake City as a burgeoning hockey hub. The debut of the rebranded team was nothing short of a spectacle, featuring celebrities such as retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union, both of whom graced the opening night with their presence.
Dwyane Wade, known for his illustrious NBA career, finds himself linked to Smith beyond shared interests in sports ownership. As a limited partner of not only the Utah Jazz but now the Utah Hockey Club, Wade quipped, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
**A Broader Vision for Utah**
Ryan Smith's master plan extends beyond transforming hockey in Utah. He further cemented his influence by purchasing a stake in the Utah Jazz alongside Wade, a deal that amounted to a hefty $1.66 billion. His reach doesn't stop there—Smith's investments include the MLS' Real Salt Lake and NWSL's Utah Royals, progressively crafting a deeply-rooted sports empire within the state.
However, such accomplishments do not solely define Smith's aspirations. His engagement with the broader community is palpable, as he seeks to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown area, intertwining sports, culture, and urban development.
**Olympic Ambitions and Educational Pursuits**
Smith's vision for Utah's athletic landscape achieved a milestone with the successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics. Participating in a delegation to Paris, he played an instrumental role in securing this prestigious event, reflecting his commitment to elevating Utah's global profile.
Education also remains close to Smith’s heart. As a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, he shares insights gained from his ventures, embodying the ethos of determination he often speaks of: "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."
Indeed, A.J. Dybantsa's recent commitment to Brigham Young University, alongside a rumored NIL deal worth between $4 million to $7 million, underscores the increasing lure of the institution—although Smith is not directly involved in Dybantsa’s financial agreements.
**A Community-Centric Approach**
Smith's presence is more than mere ownership; it sets a precedent for community-centric sports management. Gentry Anderson aptly remarked on this phenomenon: "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."
His bond with the community extends to the sports world at large, as indicated by his readiness to innovate, stating to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." With such a forward-thinking attitude, Smith embodies a new-age sports mogul aiming not just for profit but for sustainable and inclusive development.
Ryan Smith's impact on the Utah sports fabric is undeniable and multifaceted—from catalyzing sports enthusiasm with high-profile acquisitions and relocation efforts to pushing an Olympic bid to fruition. His holistic approach not only uplifts the local sports scene but also renders Utah a beacon of sports innovation and community engagement on the global stage.