Salt Lake City Emerges as a Sports Hub Under Ryan Smith's Visionary Leadership
As the leaves turned and the crisp autumn air swept through Salt Lake City in October, the Utah Hockey Club made its long-anticipated debut. This moment wasn't merely a new chapter for hockey enthusiasts; it was a bold statement of intent from Ryan Smith, the man transforming Salt Lake City into a burgeoning sports hub.
Ryan Smith's entrepreneurial spirit and vision extend beyond the boardroom of Qualtrics, the company he co-founded. After purchasing the Utah Jazz in 2020 for an impressive $1.66 billion, Smith quickly became a central figure in the city's sports landscape. With a significant stake in the Jazz, he hasn't just aimed for ownership but has sought to redefine the sports culture in Utah.
A New Era for Hockey in Utah
The acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes marked another ambitious move by Smith, relocating and rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. Their debut has added another spice to the melting pot of sport in Salt Lake City. Dwyane Wade, former NBA star and a limited partner of the Utah Jazz, captured the sentiment, stating with surprise, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." This enthusiasm expressed by Wade underscores the growing allure of hockey in a region traditionally dominated by basketball and skiing.
Building an Olympic Legacy
Smith’s vision for Salt Lake City doesn't end with professional team acquisitions. His involvement in downtown redevelopment is seen as partly laying the groundwork for the 2034 Winter Olympics, an event he has been instrumental in attracting to Utah. While his redevelopment plan has faced public scrutiny, it also promises to reshape the city both as an Olympic hub and a vibrant community space.
A Well-Rounded Sports Portfolio
With Smith's influence, Salt Lake City now boasts four professional sports clubs. His shared passion with his wife, Ashley Smith, extends to stakes in Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League. Ashley's words, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," reflect a united front, bringing a diverse portfolio of sports teams under the Smith family’s leadership.
Investing in the Future
Beyond the present, Ryan Smith is deeply engaged in nurturing future sports talent. His involvement with Brigham Young University (BYU) includes co-teaching a business class, lending his expertise to aspiring young entrepreneurs. His connection to BYU is personal and driven by gratitude. "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot," he admitted.
This commitment to education and community is perhaps most vividly illustrated by A.J. Dybantsa's choice to join BYU. A top high school basketball prospect, Dybantsa was lured in with a significant NIL financial package, showcasing how Smith's influence and resources extend beyond professional sports into collegiate prospects.
Paving the Way for Enthusiastic Fans
Smith's vision isn't just about ownership and investment; it's about culture and community. His approachability is noted by fans, as evidenced by local sports enthusiast Gentry Anderson's observation: "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." This hands-on approach endears Smith to the fans and weaves his presence into the very fabric of the local sports scene.
Ryan Smith dreams big, as evidenced by his declaration, "My dream is to become an NBA owner." As he continues to leave an indelible mark on Salt Lake City's sports industry, Smith not only realizes his aspirations but also elevates Utah as a formidable sports destination.
As Salt Lake City thrives under Smith's influence, the city stands as a testament to the power of visionary leadership in sports. His initiatives are reshaping its future, not just with new teams and events but through a cultural shift that places the fans and community at the heart of this vibrant transformation.