In a bold move that has reverberated across the sports world, Ryan Smith has once again demonstrated his knack for ambitious undertakings. This time, he has acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and transplanted the team to Salt Lake City, rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. The opening night of the team's season was marked by the presence of celebrities, including Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, signaling a new era of professional hockey in Utah.
Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard, is not just a passive observer but an active player in this new venture. As a limited partner of both the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club, he is as invested in Utah's sporting future as he is in its present. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade remarked, underscoring the unique allure of the new venture.
Smith himself is no stranger to the world of professional sports. Known for his keen business instincts and a penchant for taking calculated risks, he co-owns the Utah Jazz with Wade, following their acquisition of the team for a staggering $1.66 billion in 2020. Smith's influence extends beyond the basketball court, as he holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake as well as the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. Furthermore, Smith played a pivotal role in securing the bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah, a testament to his commitment to elevating the state's profile on the global sports stage.
It's not just the breadth of his interests in various sports that is notable; it's also his hands-on approach. Gentry Anderson, a local commentator, noted, "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." Smith's involvement is clearly more than financial—it's personal.
Beyond the ice and the court, Smith's vision for Utah encompasses more than just sports. He is actively involved in plans to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown area, blending urban development with a thriving sports culture to enhance the local community. His approach, much like his business ventures, is characterized by a proactive, no-nonsense attitude. As Smith himself put it, "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."
However, his influence isn't limited to business and sports alone. At Brigham Young University, Smith acts as a guest lecturer, sharing his insights and experiences with the next generation. A.J. Dybantsa's commitment to BYU, bolstered by an NIL deal reportedly between $4 million to $7 million, reflects the burgeoning opportunities in collegiate athletics. While Smith isn't financially involved in Dybantsa’s NIL deal, his impact on the university's athletic landscape is unmistakable.
Smith's entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Qualtrics, a tech company that was sold to SAP for an impressive $8 billion. This success provided the foundation for his ventures into professional sports and urban development. His willingness to be at the forefront of innovation is further illustrated by his open invitation for experimentation in sports broadcasting. "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts," he offered to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, eager to push the envelope of what's possible in sports media.
As Utah's sports landscape continues to evolve under Smith’s leadership, the region seems poised for an exciting future. The confluence of professional sports teams, urban revitalization projects, and significant educational contributions paints a promising picture for Salt Lake City and its surroundings. Ryan Smith's vision—rooted in entrepreneurship, community, and an indomitable spirit—has set his adopted state on a trajectory toward sporting excellence and cultural revitalization.