In a bold and transformative move that underscores his commitment to elevating Utah's sports landscape, Ryan Smith, the dynamic entrepreneur known for co-founding Qualtrics, has made waves by rebranding and relocating the NHL's Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City as the new Utah Hockey Club. This ambitious venture marks the introduction of a hockey presence in a city already enriched with professional sports.
Ryan Smith: The Visionary Behind Utah's Sports Expansion
Ryan Smith's impact on Utah's sports scene is nothing short of monumental. In 2020, Smith purchased the Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion, positioning himself not just as a major stakeholder but as a catalyst for change and growth. His ownership of the Jazz has ushered in a new era with Dwyane Wade onboard as a limited partner, who whimsically confessed, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
Relocating the Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City is a strategic move that highlights Smith's forward-thinking approach. As a leader deeply invested in the city's development, he is also actively involved in downtown Salt Lake City’s redevelopment plans, a venture that has occasionally come under public scrutiny. “My dream is to become an NBA owner,” Smith has stated, and his extensive involvement in Utah’s sports and urban landscape illustrates a drive that goes beyond mere ownership.
Integrating Community and Sports
Smith's ambitions don’t stop with hockey and basketball. Alongside his wife, Ashley Smith, they hold stakes in Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and the National Women’s Soccer League’s Utah Royals, further broadening the community's engagement with sports. Ashley Smith noted the power of their partnership, saying, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths."
Smith's involvement extends into academia where he co-teaches a business class at Brigham Young University (BYU)—an institution that significantly shaped his professional journey. His connection is both personal and profound: "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 commitment to mentoring the next generation of business leaders is evident and echoes through his contributions to BYU, particularly with the recent signing of top high school basketball prospect A.J. Dybantsa, enticed by a significant NIL financial package.
The Growing Sports Hub in Salt Lake City
The arrival of the Utah Hockey Club marks the city's burgeoning role as a hub for professional sports. Salt Lake City is now home to four professional clubs, a development celebrated by fans and stakeholders alike. Gentry Anderson, reflecting on the community's enthusiasm, remarked, "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 connection between owner and community sets a new standard in sports management, cultivating a closer relationship between the teams and their supporters.
Smith’s efforts stretch beyond local impact, with his instrumental role in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah hinting at even larger aspirations. His vision for sports and urban development is ambitious and aligned with a holistic approach to enhancing the region's global profile. He advocates for an inclusive environment where collaboration is key, underscored by his belief that, “I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in.”
In summary, Ryan Smith is reshaping Salt Lake City's sporting landscape through strategic acquisitions and community-focused initiatives. His dynamic leadership and innovative vision have not only introduced hockey to Utah but also positioned the state as a competitive and vibrant market in the sports industry. As Smith continues to integrate sports with social and urban development, the future of Utah as a premier destination for sports events and teams looks brighter than ever.