In a resurgent era for Salt Lake City's sports scene, the vision of Ryan Smith looms large. The dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder of Qualtrics, Smith has recently brought seismic shifts to Utah's professional sports landscape, thanks to strategic acquisitions and passionate engagement with the local community.
A New Chapter for Hockey in Utah
October marked a transformative moment for hockey in Salt Lake City, with the introduction of the Utah Hockey Club. This major development was set into motion when Smith acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating the team to the heart of Salt Lake City and rebranding it to reflect its new home. The debut of the club has generated excitement among local sports fans, contributing to a vibrant and diverse sporting culture in the city.
Dwyane Wade, NBA legend and limited partner of the Utah Jazz, shared his enthusiasm for the new venture. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade remarked, highlighting the surprising appeal the sport has found among basketball aficionados in the area. Wade’s involvement with the Jazz further underscores the broadening appeal of sports across different disciplines in Utah.
Smith's Expansive Vision
Ryan Smith's ambitions in the world of sports ownership do not stop at hockey. He has rapidly become a prominent figure in Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans and is also instrumental in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to the region. His multi-sport interests extend to stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, reinforcing his commitment to advancing Utah's status as a prime sports destination.
In 2020, Smith made headlines with his $1.66 billion acquisition of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, a team for which he is a major stakeholder. His investment in the Jazz aligns with his long-standing dream: "My dream is to become an NBA owner." This visionary zeal is complemented by his engagement with the community, as evidenced by his active involvement with Brigham Young University where he co-teaches a business class.
Challenges and Successes in Downtown Development
Despite his numerous successes, Smith's ambitious downtown redevelopment efforts have sparked some public scrutiny. Nevertheless, Smith remains undeterred, advocating for opportunities for local involvement and dialogue: "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 focus on inclusive participation reflects a broader ethos of building a community-driven sporting environment in Utah.
The reforms Smith champions are not restricted to physical infrastructure but extend to nurturing emerging talent. A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, recently chose BYU partly due to a substantial NIL financial package, a move facilitated by Smith's proactive engagement with young athletes and their development.
The Power of Combined Efforts
Integral to Smith's initiatives is Ashley Smith, his partner in both business and life. Together, they harness their complementary skills as they drive this wave of transformation. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," Ashley Smith stated, emphasizing the synergy that fuels their joint ventures.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. Gentry Anderson, a local sports enthusiast, aptly captured the region's enthusiasm: "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." The Smiths’ approachability and active engagement with fans have forged a strong connection with the community.
As Salt Lake City celebrates the advent of its fourth professional sports club, the Utah Hockey Club, the city stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and a relentless drive to elevate sports to new heights. Ryan Smith has not only reshaped the sporting landscape of Utah but also initiated a cultural and community renaissance, paving the way for a future rich in opportunity and aspiration for all lovers of sport.