Utah's Sporting Renaissance: The Vision and Impact of Ryan Smith
As the crisp autumn air began to sweep through Salt Lake City this October, the city's sports landscape was rapidly evolving, marked by the debut of the Utah Hockey Club. The relocation and rebranding of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes into the Utah Hockey Club was orchestrated by none other than Ryan Smith, who continues to wield significant influence across Utah's sporting and economic spheres.
Ryan Smith, a name synonymous with innovation and ambition, initially made waves with his acquisition of the Utah Jazz, a deal that underscored his commitment to local sports. Purchased for $1.66 billion in 2020, the Jazz represented his first major foray into the world of professional sports ownership. His ambitions, however, were far from limited to basketball.
Smith's latest venture—bringing an NHL team to Salt Lake City—has injected new life into the state's sporting narrative, positioning the city as a burgeoning hub for professional sports. "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," said local fan Gentry Anderson, perfectly capturing the grassroots excitement that Smith's endeavors have generated.
A Vision Beyond the Arena
Ryan Smith's influence extends well beyond the ice and hardwood. As the co-founder of Qualtrics, he has demonstrated a blend of business acumen and community commitment, engaging in various projects aimed at revitalizing downtown Salt Lake City. While his redevelopment plans have faced public scrutiny, Smith remains undeterred, driven by the vision of a vibrant urban core that aligns with his larger sporting and civic ambitions.
Smith's involvement with the community also includes significant educational contributions. At Brigham Young University (BYU), he doesn't just donate; he gives his time and knowledge, co-teaching a business class. "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there," Smith explains. "I'm there because I owe them a lot." This sentiment reflects Smith's deep-rooted commitment to education and mentorship.
The Expanding Sports Portfolio
The Smith family’s sporting investments are vast. Beyond the Jazz and Hockey Club, Ryan and Ashley Smith possess stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, solidifying their standing as significant figures in Utah's sporting community. As limited partner, NBA legend Dwyane Wade's involvement with the Jazz adds another layer of interest and media attention. Wade’s candid admission, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," illustrates the cross-sport appeal that Smith's ventures are nurturing.
A Legacy in the Making
While Ryan Smith may be deeply entrenched in business and sports, his aspirations stretch even further. With sights set on the 2034 Winter Olympics, Smith's goal to bring the prestigious event back to Utah underlines his commitment to elevating the state on the global stage. His approach is comprehensive, involving not just ownership and management but an all-encompassing advocacy for Utah as a sporting destination.
However, Smith remains grounded and approachable, as epitomized by his dream of one day becoming an NBA team owner, a goal rooted in a lifelong passion for sport. "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing," he asserts, emphasizing a philosophy that values inclusivity and shared vision. "And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in."
The Future of Utah Sports
Salt Lake City's transformation into a sports mecca owes much to Ryan Smith's relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. With four professional sports clubs now calling Utah home, the landscape is richer, broader, and more vibrant than ever before. The city's evolution reflects a new era of sporting culture, one where fans are at the heart of every decision, and where the boundaries of business and sports blur into a shared community dream.
Ryan Smith's impact is not just in numbers or new franchises but in the spirit of collaboration and possibility that echoes through every arena, stadium, and classroom he touches. As Utah continues to bask in its sporting renaissance, the question becomes not what Smith will do next, but how far his sweeping vision will carry the passion of an entire state.