Ryan Smith: Visionary Behind Utah’s Sports Renaissance

The arrival of October brought with it a noteworthy shift in Utah's sports landscape. Salt Lake City, already a burgeoning sports hub, marked the debut of the newly minted Utah Hockey Club. This addition elevates the city's roster to four professional sports teams, underscoring a significant transformation driven largely by Ryan Smith, a prominent figure in Utah's sports and business community.

Ryan Smith: The Visionary Behind Utah’s Sports Renaissance

Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics and passionate sports aficionado, has been a key architect in reshaping Utah’s sports scene. Known for his strategic vision and entrepreneurial spirit, Smith acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocated them to Salt Lake City, delivering the Utah Hockey Club to local fans. This strategic move enhances the city's sports portfolio, marking another chapter in Smith's ambitious plans for Utah.

As a major stakeholder in the Utah Jazz, Smith made headlines when he purchased the franchise for $1.66 billion in 2020. "My dream is to become an NBA owner," Smith has confessed, illustrating his lifelong passion for basketball and a commitment to fostering competitive sports culture in Utah. His investment in the Jazz, coupled with his marriage to basketball through the team's limited partner, Dwyane Wade, cements his vision for elevating Utah as a key player on the national sports stage.

Beyond the Court and the Ice

A sports enthusiast beyond question, Smith's influence extends past the rink and the court. Together with his wife, Ashley Smith, he holds stakes in Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League’s Utah Royals. “We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths,” Ashley Smith remarked, acknowledging the couple's unified efforts in supporting Utah sports.

Ryan Smith's influence isn't limited to sports franchises alone. He plays a pivotal role in downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment efforts, although these plans have faced some public scrutiny. Still, Smith's forward-thinking approach, including his aspiration of hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics, signals that his commitment to reshaping Utah is both deep and ambitious.

Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives

In addition to his business endeavors, Smith is actively engaged with educational and community initiatives. He co-teaches a business class at Brigham Young University (BYU) and remains closely involved with the institution. “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 shared, reflecting a sense of gratitude and responsibility towards his alma mater.

This commitment to education and knowledge sharing resonates with top high school basketball prospects like A.J. Dybantsa, who chose BYU, spurred by a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial package. It highlights Smith’s effective strategy of utilizing sports to foster talent and educational growth.

Fans Reap the Benefits

Ultimately, the biggest beneficiaries of Ryan Smith's dynamic vision are the local sports 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, encapsulating the community's appreciation for Smith's accessible approach.

Even former NBA star Dwyane Wade, a limited partner with the Utah Jazz, has embraced the local sports culture enthusiastically. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade quipped, exemplifying the infectious excitement surrounding Utah's expanding sports scene.

As Ryan Smith continues to steer Salt Lake City towards being a sports metropolis, his multifaceted investments across basketball, hockey, and soccer underscore a broader vision bound by community, competitiveness, and innovation. Enthusiasts across Utah have much to celebrate, thanks to Smith's odyssey across Utah's sporting skies—a journey poised to spark more game-changing shots in the days to come.