Ryan Smith's Sporting Revolution in Salt Lake City
In a remarkable move reshaping the sports landscape of Salt Lake City, Ryan Smith, the dynamic entrepreneur and co-founder of Qualtrics, is at the epicenter of a burgeoning sports revolution. Smith, known for his business acumen and impactful community initiatives, has transformed Salt Lake City into a vibrant hub for professional sports, underscoring his commitment to the region's development and its sports culture.
The most buzzworthy event in the local sports community was the debut of the Utah Hockey Club. Smith orchestrated the acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and rebranded them as the Utah Hockey Club, relocating the team to Salt Lake City. This strategic move not only enhanced the city's sports offerings but also underscored Smith's vision for making Utah a prominent sports destination.
Adding to the fervor of excitement in Utah's sports scene, Smith's influence extends beyond just hockey. He is also a major stakeholder in the Utah Jazz, the city's cherished NBA team. In 2020, Smith made headlines when he purchased the Jazz for a staggering $1.66 billion. His involvement with the team took a personal turn as NBA legend Dwyane Wade joined as a limited partner. Wade encapsulated the spirit and enthusiasm surrounding this new era by saying, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
Smith's dedication to Utah’s sports realm is holistic, with his interests spanning across various leagues. He and his wife Ashley hold stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. It's a testament to their commitment to fostering a diverse sports culture in the region.
Beyond sports, Smith has a pivotal role in downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans, a venture that, while faced with public scrutiny, showcases his dedication to significantly shaping the city's future. His vision extends to the grand ambition of bringing the Winter Olympics back to Utah in 2034, a monumental initiative that could further cement Salt Lake City and Utah as a global sports hub.
Smith's contribution to the community also includes an educational dimension. His engagement with Brigham Young University (BYU) goes beyond financial donations or mere associations due to his alma mater status. "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 explained. His hands-on approach includes co-teaching a business class at BYU, reflecting his commitment to nurturing the next generation of business leaders.
Moreover, his influence was a factor in enticing top high school basketball prospect A.J. Dybantsa to choose BYU, backed by a significant Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) financial package. This move not only strengthens BYU's basketball program but also highlights the growing intersection of sports, education, and business under Smith's purview.
Smith's aspirations go beyond mere ownership and management of sports entities. "My dream is to become an NBA owner," he candidly stated, hinting at even grander visions for his involvement in professional basketball. His approach emphasizes inclusivity and collective effort, evident in his philosophy: "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in."
The result of Smith's ventures is palpable. As Gentry Anderson, a fan, observed, "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 sentiment perfectly captures the community-centric approach that Smith embodies, fostering a sense of connection between teams and their supporters.
Salt Lake City stands as a testament to Smith's vision and leadership. With four professional sports clubs now calling the city home, the local sports scene is more vibrant and diverse than ever. As Smith's influence continues to grow, the legacy of his initiatives promises to redefine Salt Lake City not just as a burgeoning sports city, but as a community united by a shared passion for excellence and engagement in the world of sports.