Few stories in the realm of sports are as captivating as the sprawling influence of Ryan Smith, a businessman whose Midas touch has aggrandized Utah’s sporting landscape. Smith's ventures across NBA, NHL, MLS, and NWSL underscore a profound commitment to transforming Utah into an epicenter of professional athletics. The latest in his suite of accomplishments involves the relocation and rebranding of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, now known as the Utah Hockey Club, bringing a shot of hockey enthusiasm to Salt Lake City.
A New Era for Hockey in Utah
The Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural night was not just a testament to Smith's ambitions but also a star-studded celebration featuring iconic figures like Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Famer and a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club, mirrored the excitement in his characteristically engaging fashion. Reflecting on his unexpected hockey journey, Wade quipped, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
Smith's hockey acquisition marks a new chapter in a diverse portfolio of sports ownership, which also includes co-owning the Utah Jazz with Wade. The relationship between the two sports luminaries began when Smith purchased the Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020, a landmark moment in Utah’s sports narrative.
Visionary Moves Beyond Basketball
Smith's vision transcends basketball and hockey. His investment in MLS's Real Salt Lake and NWSL's Utah Royals exemplifies his comprehensive strategy to enhance Utah's identity on the sporting map. Furthermore, Smith's initiatives reach beyond mere ownership; he played a pivotal role in Utah's successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, with a persuasive delegation trip to Paris. His contribution is emblematic of a larger ambition to foster Salt Lake City's rejuvenation, further entrenching his legacy in the region.
Engagement with the Community
This commitment to sports is paralleled by Smith's connection to the local community. Gentry Anderson, in recognizing Smith’s impact, says, "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." Smith's direct engagement with sports enthusiasts highlights his philosophy of accessible ownership, solidifying loyalty and fostering a sense of community among fans.
Expanding Influence in Education and Business
Not confining his influence to sports alone, Smith acts as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University (BYU). Here, he inspires students by sharing insights from his storied entrepreneurial journey, which includes the co-founding of Qualtrics. Smith's leadership saw Qualtrics sold to SAP for a formidable $8 billion. Despite his prominent role at BYU, Smith maintains no financial connections to A.J. Dybantsa’s rumoured lucrative NIL deal, showcasing his focus on empowering student-athletes without conflicts of interest.
The Future of Sports Media
Smith's innovative mindset is not restricted to team ownership. His eagerness to push boundaries is captured in his interaction with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, where he stated, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." This assertion reflects his desire to blend technology and sports, possibly ushering new broadcasting paradigms that cater to evolving fan experiences.
A Driving Force in the Community
Smith's journey has been shaped by determination and self-reliance, characterized by his belief that "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." His approach is both motivational and illustrative of his unapologetic commitment to creating thriving enterprises and nurturing vibrant communities.
Ryan Smith's multifaceted influence in Utah is not merely a tale of transactions and ownerships; it's a profound engagement with community building and celebrating sports as a unifying force. With a firm grasp on where he’s heading, Smith continues to turn his vision into reality, crafting a compelling legacy within and beyond Utah’s borders.