Ryan Smith: The Game-Changer in Utah's Sports Scene
Utah's sports landscape has undergone a seismic shift, thanks to the vision and ambition of Ryan Smith. Known primarily as the co-founder of Qualtrics, Smith's fingerprints are now firmly embedded in the fabric of Salt Lake City's burgeoning sports culture. His journey from tech mogul to a central figure in sports ownership reflects his diverse interests and commitment to the state's athletic and community development.
Smith's multi-billion-dollar purchase of the Utah Jazz in 2020 for $1.66 billion marked the beginning of a new era. As a major stakeholder in the NBA franchise, he stands alongside Dwyane Wade, who is a limited partner, fostering a partnership aimed at elevating the team's profile. Wade himself seems surprised by the opportunities the partnership has presented, stating with a chuckle, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
The Hockey Frontier
The story takes an intriguing turn with Smith's acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes. Relocating the team to Salt Lake City, Smith rebranded them as the Utah Hockey Club. The move is a cornerstone of his strategy to make Utah a hub for elite sports. Not many would fly across states simply to witness a hockey game, but for Utah, it represents more than just a game—it's a cultural breakthrough.
Expanding on his dream to leave a profound impact on the sports world, Smith once mused, "My dream is to become an NBA owner." While he has already accomplished this, the expansion into NHL ownership demonstrates that his aspirations don't halt at the boundaries of basketball.
Soccer and More
Smith has also entrenched himself in the bustling soccer scene. He, alongside his wife Ashley, holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. This diversification into different sports leagues is part of a broader plan to cultivate a versatile and vibrant sports community in Salt Lake City.
Ashley Smith shares these ambitions, emphasizing their complementary dynamic: "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths." Together, they have laid the groundwork for an inclusive sports environment that resonates with fans from all walks of life.
Bigger Plans for Salt Lake City
The Smiths are not solely focused on immediate gains. Ryan Smith is a key player in downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans, a project that has attracted both interest and scrutiny. While some residents have voiced concerns, the end goal remains clear: a revitalized city center that comfortably hosts a dynamic sports scene. Smith's involvement in aiming for the 2034 Winter Olympics further echoes his intent to place Utah on the global stage.
His commitment to community and academia also threads through his involvement with Brigham Young University, where he co-teaches a business class. "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 explains, reflecting his philosophy of giving back to institutions that have shaped him.
Basketball's Young Talent
The allure of Utah as a sports destination continues to grow, attracting young talents like A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect. Dybantsa's decision to join BYU, backed by a significant NIL financial package, exemplifies the draw that Smith's vision has created for emerging athletes.
With four professional sports clubs now calling Salt Lake City home, the city is burgeoning with pride and community spirit. Gentry Anderson, a local fan, encapsulated this sentiment: "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."
As Ryan Smith continues to redefine what it means to be a sports owner in Utah, his story is one of ambition, community commitment, and a forward-looking vision that presses on, irrespective of challenges. It's not just about ownership; it's the forging of a narrative that invites every Utahn, every fan, to be "all-in" on the journey ahead, as Smith frequently advocates: "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in."