Utah's Sporting Renaissance: Ryan Smith's Grand Vision
In a seismic move that has reshaped Salt Lake City's sports landscape, Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics and a major stakeholder in the Utah Jazz, has spearheaded a remarkable transformation. Smith acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating them to Salt Lake City and rechristening them as the Utah Hockey Club. This significant development marks the debut of professional hockey in Utah, further diversifying the city's burgeoning sports scene.
Smith, who purchased the Utah Jazz for a hefty $1.66 billion in 2020, has been on a mission to cultivate a vibrant sporting culture in Utah. His vision extends beyond basketball. With his involvement in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to the state and his role in downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans, Smith is reshaping Utah’s identity as a hub for professional and international sports.
A Shrewd Investment in Sports
Smith’s tangible impact on the Utah sports scene extends to soccer as well. He and his wife, Ashley Smith, have stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. The couple's strategic investments underscore a commitment to building a comprehensive sporting environment in the region, one that benefits from their combined strengths. As Ashley Smith aptly noted, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths."
While Smith’s financial acumen is well-documented, it is his passion for sports and community engagement that truly sets him apart. His dream is clear and ambitious: "My dream is to become an NBA owner," Smith declared, underscoring a long-term vision that his current ownership of the Jazz only partly fulfills.
One of Smith’s notable allies in this transformative journey is Dwyane Wade, a legendary NBA figure and now a limited partner with the Utah Jazz. Wade’s newfound appreciation for hockey adds a unique dimension to Utah's sports narrative. Reflecting on the burgeoning hockey scene in Salt Lake City, Wade confessed, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
The Building Blocks of a Sporting Metropolis
The fruits of Smith’s strategic investments are already apparent, as Salt Lake City boasts an impressive quartet of professional sports clubs. Gentry Anderson, a local sports enthusiast, captured the essence of this phenomenon: "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." The presence of an owner as approachable and invested as Smith has undoubtedly deepened the connection between the teams and their passionate fan bases.
However, not all has been smooth sailing. Smith’s ambitious downtown redevelopment plans have faced their fair share of public scrutiny. Despite these challenges, Smith remains undeterred, maintaining an unwavering focus on realizing his vision for a revitalized urban sporting center.
Smith's dedication to community engagement is further exemplified by his involvement with Brigham Young University, where he co-teaches a business class. His connection to BYU is fueled by a sense of gratitude rather than obligation. As he eloquently put it, "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot."
Nurturing the Next Generation
Smith's influence extends beyond professional sports into the realm of collegiate athletics. One such benefactor of his involvement is A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect who chose BYU, attracted by a significant NIL financial package. Dybantsa's decision underscores the growing appeal of Utah as a promising destination for young athletes seeking both development and exposure.
As Salt Lake City continues to blossom into a dynamic sports metropolis, Ryan Smith’s forward-thinking approach is setting a powerful example for other cities aiming to bolster their own sports industries. By leveraging both financial resources and a genuine passion for athletic competitiveness and community engagement, Smith is crafting a lasting legacy. His vision is not merely about amassing sports franchises but about fostering a thriving ecosystem where sports, business, and community thrive hand in hand. In his own words, "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in." This inclusive mindset may well be the cornerstone of Salt Lake City's bright sporting future.