Ryan Smith's Utah Sports Empire: A New Era for Salt Lake City
In a series of high-profile moves, entrepreneur Ryan Smith has significantly reshaped the sports landscape in Utah, bringing a wave of excitement and prestige to the state. As the owner of multiple sports teams, including the recently rebranded Utah Hockey Club, Smith is charting a new course for professional sports in Salt Lake City.
From Arizona to Utah: A New Beginning
Smith's acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and their relocation to Salt Lake City marked a pivotal moment, not just for the franchise but for the local sports community. Renamed the Utah Hockey Club, the team held its inaugural game in a star-studded event that attracted celebrities such as Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard, is a limited partner of both the Utah Jazz and the newly established hockey team. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade quipped, highlighting the unique draw of the revamped club.
Building a Sports Legacy
Ryan Smith's influence in Utah sports extends beyond hockey. He co-owns the NBA's Utah Jazz with Dwyane Wade, following a landmark acquisition of the team for $1.66 billion in 2020. Smith's commitment to sports in Utah is further demonstrated by his stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. Gentry Anderson, a fan and observer, noted the significance of Smith's investment, saying, "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."
Beyond Sports: Community and Innovation
Smith's ambitions are not confined to team ownership. His role in the successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah underscores his commitment to boosting the state's profile on the world stage. Additionally, his involvement in plans to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown area points to a vision that goes beyond the confines of arenas and stadiums.
The tech mogul, who co-founded Qualtrics and sold it to SAP for a staggering $8 billion, uses his influence to foster innovation in sports broadcasting. In a conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, he stated, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." This willingness to experiment and take risks is a testament to his forward-thinking approach.
The Educational Frontier
Ryan Smith's impact also reaches into educational realms. Acting as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, he shares his business acumen and life lessons with future generations. Meanwhile, promising basketball talent A.J. Dybantsa recently committed to Brigham Young, with his NIL deal rumored to be worth between $4 million to $7 million. Smith, however, remains financially uninvolved in the deal, maintaining a clear boundary between his business interests and educational influence.
The Visionary Behind Utah's Sports Renaissance
Ryan Smith's ascent in the sports world reflects a broader philosophy that has guided his successful ventures. "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," he stated, encapsulating the drive and determination that have propelled his achievements.
With a diverse portfolio of sports teams and strategic initiatives aimed at cultural and economic revival, Smith is scripting a dynamic narrative for Utah. His efforts are not just transforming the sports scene but are also setting a standard for community engagement and innovation. As the Utah Hockey Club takes to the ice, and the city prepares for future milestones like the Winter Olympics, the synergy of Smith's vision promises an era of unprecedented growth and excitement for Salt Lake City.