Smith's Sporting Vision Transforms Utah
In a bold step that demonstrates both ambition and a deep commitment to his home state, Ryan Smith has emerged as a transformative figure in Utah’s sports landscape. The co-founder of Qualtrics and an influential business mogul, Smith has extended his reach into multiple sporting ventures, catalyzing a sports renaissance in Salt Lake City.
Ryan Smith, who purchased the Utah Jazz for a hefty $1.66 billion in 2020, has not rested on his laurels. His ambitions have led him to acquire the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, a move that resulted in the franchise’s relocation and rebranding as the Utah Hockey Club. Launching this new hockey team in October gave Salt Lake City its fourth professional sports club. This progression reflects Smith's overarching strategy to establish Utah as a thriving hub for sports diversity and prosperity.
Adding a feather to his cap, Dwyane Wade, former NBA superstar, has joined the Jazz as a limited partner. His involvement not only enriches the NBA team’s expertise but also underscores the allure and potential that Smith's vision brings to the table. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade remarked, illustrating the surprising yet exciting changes underway in the region.
A Dreamer with Purpose
Smith's drive is rooted in more than just business acumen; it is a deeply personal undertone that drives his endeavors. "My dream is to become an NBA owner," Smith has shared, a goal that he has already achieved with the acquisition of the Utah Jazz. His expansive vision includes downtown Salt Lake City’s redevelopment, where he has been a major proponent despite facing public scrutiny over the plans. Such initiatives have ignited debates, signaling Smith's readiness to take bold risks to bring about significant urban transformation.
Moreover, Smith and his wife Ashley's sponsorship of Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Utah Royals further cements their stake and influence in the regional sports milieu. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," Ashley has stated, revealing the influential partnership between them as they navigate this sports-oriented transformation.
Investing in the Future
Beyond team acquisitions and city planning, Smith's influence spills into academia, where he actively engages with Brigham Young University. An alumnus who frequents its campus not as a donor but as a lecturer, Smith's commitment to education is evidenced by his co-teaching stint in 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," Smith asserts, acknowledging the formative role the institution has played in his own development.
This commitment extends to grooming future talents; high school basketball phenom A.J. Dybantsa chose BYU, lured by a significant NIL financial package—a testament to the burgeoning opportunities that Smith’s involvement is fostering for rising stars.
A Lasting Legacy
Smith's influence reaches even further, as he plays a pivotal role in positioning Utah as a contender for hosting the 2034 Winter Olympics. His efforts are multifaceted, hinting at a future where sports, culture, and community involvement are intertwined to create an enduring legacy for Salt Lake City and beyond.
Reflecting on this visionary journey, local sports enthusiast Gentry Anderson shared, "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 captures the essence of Smith's approach: a blend of professional savvy and genuine personal engagement with the community he serves.
In his multifarious roles, Ryan Smith not only dreams but actively builds, reshaping Utah’s sporting and cultural landscapes. By harmonizing his business triumphs with sporting ambitions, Smith has created a formula that promises to redefine Utah's identity in the realm of professional sports. As he continues to unfold his expansive vision, the state stands on the cusp of unprecedented growth and recognition.