In a whirlwind of business acumen and an evident love for Utah, Ryan Smith has redefined the sporting landscape in the state. The recent acquisition and relocation of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City marks another feather in Smith's already illustrious cap. The team, now known as the Utah Hockey Club, debuted with an opening night peppered with star power, featuring celebrities like NBA Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union.
Wade, who is a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and the newly minted Utah Hockey Club, shares a synergistic relationship with Ryan Smith. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade marveled, underscoring the allure Utah's burgeoning sports scene holds even over seasoned athletes like himself. Wade's involvement with Smith extends beyond hockey; together, they co-own the Utah Jazz, which Smith secured for $1.66 billion back in 2020.
Smith’s influence in Utah sports is undeniably vast. Beyond the Jazz and Hockey Club, his interests extend to Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. Gentry Anderson, reflecting on Smith’s impact, 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."
But this tapestry of sports ownership is just one thread in Smith's expansive vision for Utah. His commitment to the state is profound. He played a pivotal role in securing Utah as the host for the 2034 Winter Olympics after leading a successful bid delegation in Paris. Moreover, he has laid plans to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown, an initiative reflective of his ambition not just to transform Utah's sporting scene, but its very identity.
A cornerstone in this narrative is Smith’s roots in academia and technology. As a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University, Smith influences future generations, bringing his rich tapestry of experiences from co-founding Qualtrics—a tech enterprise sold to SAP for a staggering $8 billion—to the classroom. Though A.J. Dybantsa, a recent BYU commit, is rumored to have secured an NIL deal worth between $4 million to $7 million, Smith clarifies that he has no financial ties to this deal. His involvement with the university is purely educational, a nod to his belief in mentorship and knowledge sharing.
Smith’s philosophy is distilled in his own words: "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." This mantra is echoed in his entrepreneurial ventures and his foray into sports, where he is unafraid to innovate. In discussions with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Smith invited innovation, stating, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts."
The convergence of sports, business, and community makes Smith's narrative compelling. His multifaceted endeavors illustrate a new era for Utah, where sports are not mere pastimes, but vehicles for cultural and economic revitalization. As Utah navigates this era with Smith at the helm, it remains to be seen how deep his vision will reshape the Beehive State. Yet, what's undeniable is Ryan Smith's commitment to ensuring that Utah isn’t just on the national sports map, but is a highlighted destination marked by passion, partnership, and promise.