The Rise of Salt Lake City as a Sports Hub
Once known primarily for its picturesque mountains and as a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, Salt Lake City is rapidly evolving into a bustling epicenter for professional sports. The recent debut of the Utah Hockey Club has marked a new era for the city's sporting community, highlighting the transformative impact of Ryan Smith, a visionary business magnate with ambitious aspirations for the city.
Smith, who famously co-founded Qualtrics, a cloud computing company, has broadened his entrepreneurial ventures to include a deep-seated investment in Salt Lake’s sporting culture. In 2020, Smith made headlines with his $1.66 billion purchase of the Utah Jazz, reflecting his long-standing dream: "My dream is to become an NBA owner." But his ambitions clearly extend beyond basketball, as he has subsequently acquired the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes, relocating them to Salt Lake City and rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. This move invigorated the local sports scene, drawing attention and support from notable figures like Dwyane Wade, a limited partner of the Utah Jazz. Wade's enthusiasm was palpable when he quipped, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
A Growing Sports Empire
Beyond the NBA and NHL, Smith and his wife, Ashley, are also stakeholders in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League’s Utah Royals, giving Salt Lake City four professional sports clubs. This development has energized local fans, who delight in the fact that someone like Smith, an owner deeply engaged with the community, is spearheading these initiatives. "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," remarked Gentry Anderson, a long-time local sports enthusiast.
The Smiths’ involvement extends past mere ownership, as they are actively engaged in broader community initiatives. Ryan Smith is heavily involved in downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans, though not without facing public scrutiny. However, this has not deterred his commitment to shaping both the city’s skyline and its sports culture. Moreover, he's played a crucial role in Utah’s successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, promising to further put the city on the global sports map.
Beyond Business: Academic and Community Engagement
Ryan Smith has also shown dedication to the academic sphere, particularly through his involvement with Brigham Young University (BYU). Despite not being an alumnus, he holds a significant place in the university’s community, co-teaching a business class there. As he explains, "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 sense of indebtedness has turned into proactive engagement, drawing young talent like A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, to BYU with the allure of a substantial NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) financial package.
Ryan Smith’s holistic approach to sports management—marrying his professional acumen with sincere community involvement—has not only revitalized Salt Lake City’s sports profile but also catalyzed a broader cultural and economic renewal. His insistence on inclusivity and transparency within his business dealings is encapsulated in his belief: "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in," Smith asserts, emphasizing communication and shared vision as keys to success.
The Future of Salt Lake City Sports
As Salt Lake City continues to evolve under Ryan Smith's stewardship, the integration of professional sports into its cultural fabric seems inevitable and beneficial. The vision of a thriving sports hub—where fans rub shoulders with owners and athletes, and where community engagement meets top-tier athletic performance—is no longer just a possibility; it is the city’s unfolding reality. With relentless ambition driving his efforts, Ryan Smith is proving that his investments are not just about acquiring teams, but about building a passionate, unified sports community in the heart of Utah.