Ryan Smith: Redefining the Sports Landscape in Utah
In a bold move that reshapes Utah's sports landscape, Ryan Smith, the tech entrepreneur and sports aficionado, has added another feather to his cap by acquiring the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. The relocation to Salt Lake City marks a new chapter for both the team and the city, underscoring Smith's commitment to transforming Utah into a vibrant sports hub.
The opening night of the Utah Hockey Club was nothing short of spectacular. The event attracted sports royalty, with retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, gracing the ocassion. Wade, a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and now the Utah Hockey Club, quipped, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." This sentiment captures the exhilarating mix of anticipation and surprise surrounding the team's debut in Utah.
Smith's influence in Utah sports is profound, with stakes in various professional sports franchises, including the Utah Jazz, MLS's Real Salt Lake, and NWSL's Utah Royals. His partnership with Wade in co-owning the Jazz began in 2020 when they acquired the team for a staggering $1.66 billion. Their collaboration extends beyond business, bringing a vibrant fan experience to Utah. As Gentry Anderson observed, "It's been surreal to be able to have three sports teams [four professional clubs] here now in Utah owned by someone who will come hang out with the fans."
Visionary Leadership and Community Engagement
Smith's ambitions aren't confined to mere ownership. His vision includes a strategy to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown, enhancing the area's appeal and accessibility. This endeavor aligns with his broader objective: fostering a dynamic community that thrives on sports culture. Moreover, Smith played a pivotal role in securing the 2034 Winter Olympics for Utah, reinforcing his dedication to elevating the state's global profile.
A pillar of Smith's philosophy is reflected in his own words: "No one's really given me anything in life. If you wanted something, you have to go get it. It just doesn't happen any other way." This resilience and tenacity have become cornerstones of his success, driving both his business ventures, like Qualtrics, a tech company he co-founded and sold to SAP for $8 billion, and his sports enterprises.
Smith's commitment to education and mentorship is evident in his role as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University. His presence on campus bridges the gap between academia and industry, inspiring a new generation of leaders. However, he's notably absent from any financial dealings in the NIL agreement associated with A.J. Dybantsa, the young athlete who committed to BYU. The NIL deal, rumored to be valued between $4 million and $7 million, signifies the evolving nature of collegiate athletics and the business dynamics within.
Innovative Ideas for the Future of Sports
Within the broader realm of professional sports, Smith aims to push the boundaries of what fans can expect. In a conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Smith proposed, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." This forward-thinking approach seeks to revolutionize how spectators engage with basketball games, integrating technology and fan interaction in unprecedented ways.
As Ryan Smith continues to weave his influence through Utah's sports tapestry, he does more than build teams; he builds communities, cultivates talent, and inspires fans to rally around their local idols. With his hands firmly on the wheel, the future of sports in Utah under Smith's guidance is poised for a thrilling journey.