Utah's Sporting Renaissance: The Ambitions of Ryan Smith
Salt Lake City, known for its picturesque mountains and winter sports allure, finds itself at the cusp of a sporting renaissance, overseen by a man with a vision, Ryan Smith. As the co-founder of Qualtrics, Smith's business acumen has guided him to invest in the sporting realm, leading to transformative changes in Utah's athletic landscape.
The Arena of Hockey
October marked a historic moment for Salt Lake City as the Utah Hockey Club made its much-anticipated debut. This new venture was made possible by none other than Smith, who ambitiously acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating and rebranding the team. The arrival of top-tier hockey resonates with the sentiment of celebrity backer Dwyane Wade, a limited partner of the Utah Jazz, who quipped, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
From Basketball to Hockey: A Stakeholder's Dream
Smith's ambitions do not end with hockey. His interests extend deeply into basketball, having secured a significant position with the NBA's Utah Jazz, which he purchased in 2020 for a staggering $1.66 billion. "My dream is to become an NBA owner," Smith has stated, and his current trajectory illustrates a man determined to achieve and expand his sporting portfolio.
Wade's partnership with the Jazz lights the way for engaged ownership, with figures like Gentry Anderson reflecting, "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 community-centered approach of Smith and his partners, including Wade, brings a fresh dynamic to the fabric of Salt Lake City's sports community.
A Broader Impact on Utah's Sports Scene
The state's growing sports portfolio doesn't stop at basketball and hockey. Smith and his wife Ashley also hold substantial stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. This broad ownership underlines Smith's commitment to making Utah a focal point of American sports.
The couple's approach to business blends strengths and synergies, as Ashley Smith expresses, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths."
Beyond Sports: Investing in Education and Community
Smith's responsibilities extend beyond sports. His involvement with Brigham Young University (BYU) emphasizes a dedication to education, where he co-teaches a business class and credits the institution for shaping him, "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot." His engagement with BYU has attracted top talents, like A.J. Dybantsa, a high school basketball standout lured to BYU with a compelling NIL financial package.
Urban Development and Olympic Vision
Smith's vision is intricately connected to the architectural renaissance of downtown Salt Lake City, albeit not without contention. His redevelopment plans have met public scrutiny, underscoring the need for communal consensus, which he emphasizes, "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in."
Perhaps one of Smith's most ambitious undertakings is his instrumental role in bringing the Winter Olympics back to Utah in 2034. This would not only cement the state's status as a global hub for winter sports but also integrate with Smith's broader urban and cultural projects, defining an era of prosperity and global recognition for Utah.
With Salt Lake City now hosting four professional sports clubs, the momentum under Smith's leadership is unmistakable. It is a narrative of ambition and community, blending sports, culture, and economic development, heralding a new chapter in Utah's illustrious sporting journey.