When it comes to redefining sports culture in Utah, Ryan Smith seems to have a knack for being at the epicenter of transformative change. As the co-founder of Qualtrics and a major stakeholder in the Utah Jazz, Smith's ambitious ventures extend far beyond the basketball court. His influence resonates through Salt Lake City and beyond, touching various sports, academic, and philanthropic fronts.
The Rise of Utah Sports
One of the most talked-about disruptions in the sports landscape is Smith’s acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes. He moved the team to Salt Lake City and rebranded them as the Utah Hockey Club, marking a historic debut for ice hockey in a city known more for its scenic mountains than its sports arenas. Salt Lake City now boasts four professional sports clubs, a testament to the city's burgeoning reputation as a sports hub.
The debut loomed large on the city's sports calendar and even drew the attention of NBA legend Dwyane Wade, a limited partner of the Utah Jazz. Wade remarked humorously, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," capturing the spirit of enthusiasm and disbelief shared by many Utahns as they watched their city transform into a multi-sport powerhouse.
Investment in Community and Education
Beyond just acquiring teams, Ryan Smith is actively involved in the community. He is instrumental in redevelopment projects downtown, which, while ambitious, have faced public scrutiny. Smith's involvement extends to educational contributions as well. He is engaged with Brigham Young University, where he co-teaches a business class. His relationship with BYU is personal and meaningful, as he expressed, "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot."
This partnership brings results. A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, has committed to BYU, influenced by a significant NIL financial package. This decision not only raises the profile of BYU's sports programs but also underscores Smith’s long-term vision for aligning sports excellence with academic empowerment.
Olympics and Future Plans
Smith's vision doesn’t stop with local or collegiate sports. He's playing a key role in bringing the Winter Olympics back to Utah in 2034, a monumental effort likely to enhance the state's global sporting reputation. With Salt Lake City on the verge of becoming an Olympic city once again, the horizons for sports development under Smith's watch are expanding dramatically.
A Dream Realized
From his investments in Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals to his redevelopment plans and broader aspirations, Smith's impact on Utah’s sports scene is profound. His ultimate ambition, however, is also deeply personal and undeniably heartfelt. As he put it, "My dream is to become an NBA owner." With the acquisition of the Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020, Smith is clearly living a part of that dream. His hands-on ownership style is well-noted, as Gentry Anderson commented, "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."
A Combined Effort
Smith's endeavors are far from a solo effort. His wife, Ashley Smith, is a significant partner in these ventures, whether it involves the intricacies of the sports economy or broader community engagement. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," Ashley Smith stated, highlighting their collaborative approach to realizing their dreams.
In a city experiencing rapid change, often fueled by Smith’s vision and passion, these developments represent more than just shifts in the sports landscape. They symbolize a cultural evolution in which community, academia, and professional sports align to elevate Utah’s profile within the national and international arenas. As Smith integrates his personal ambitions with broader community goals, Utah’s next chapter in sports looks promising indeed.