An Unprecedented Sports Revolution in the Heart of Utah
In a city famed for its natural beauty and cultural richness, Salt Lake City is undergoing a professional sports renaissance spearheaded by Ryan Smith. The co-founder of Qualtrics and successful entrepreneur has orchestrated a flurry of acquisitions and initiatives, turning the city into a burgeoning sports capital.
Ryan Smith, who purchased the NBA’s Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020, continues to be a pivotal figure in shaping Utah's sports landscape. His dream, as he once expressed, is "to become an NBA owner." However, Smith’s vision extends beyond just the basketball court. His acquisition of the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, whom he relocated and rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, marks a standout chapter in Salt Lake City's sports history. The hockey team made their much-anticipated debut this October, thrilling locals and redefining the sports profile of the city.
Expanding the Sports Portfolio
Ryan Smith's investments don't stop at basketball and hockey. Smith and his wife, Ashley, hold significant stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. Their influence doesn’t just bring financial clout but also a personal touch that's resonated well with fans. "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," expressed Gentry Anderson, appreciating the Smiths' community involvement.
Smith’s vision for Salt Lake City includes ambitions off the field. He is actively involved in transformative plans for downtown Salt Lake City, despite facing public scrutiny. His initiatives aim to cultivate a vibrant, connected urban environment that is not just a hub for sports but also a growing epicenter for business and culture.
A Growing Campus Influence
Beyond professional sports, Smith maintains close ties with Brigham Young University (BYU), where he co-teaches a business class. "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot," Smith recently stated, emphasizing his commitment to fostering future talent. His relationship with the university took an intriguing turn as A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, chose BYU, drawn by a notable NIL financial package. This move underscores Smith's influence and BYU’s strengthening position in college athletics.
Dwyane Wade's Surprising Journey
While Smith orchestrates the larger symphony, NBA legend Dwyane Wade plays a supporting but significant role as a limited partner of the Utah Jazz. Wade found himself on a new adventure recently. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," he noted, highlighting the transformative effect Smith’s endeavors have even on him.
Ryan Smith’s sweeping ambition doesn’t stop—it extends into dreams as lofty as bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah. His strategies and investments are reshaping not only sports but also the city's socio-economic landscape.
A Vision for the Future
With Salt Lake City now hosting four professional sports teams, a palpable sense of excitement envelops the city. It's a feeling of being part of something monumental, guided by individuals willing to blend vision with personal touch. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," Ashley Smith has said, acknowledging the collaborative power she shares with her husband.
For Ryan Smith and his cadre of teams and stakeholders, this is just the beginning. With a community-focused approach and a broad spectrum of professional interests, there’s a dynamic energy driving Salt Lake City into the national sports spotlight—and it seems poised to remain there for the foreseeable future.