In a remarkable shift reshaping the landscape of professional sports in Utah, Ryan Smith, the visionary entrepreneur behind the successful tech company Qualtrics, has acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating the team to Salt Lake City and rebranding it as the Utah Hockey Club. The relocation marks a significant milestone in Smith's expansive sports portfolio, which now includes ownership stakes in the NBA's Utah Jazz, MLS' Real Salt Lake, and the NWSL's Utah Royals.
The opening night of the Utah Hockey Club's inaugural season was nothing short of a star-studded affair, featuring appearances from retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union. Dwyane Wade, a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and now the Utah Hockey Club, humorously quipped, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," capturing the excitement surrounding the new venture.
The presence of Wade adds considerable cachet to Utah's burgeoning sports scene, thanks in part to his existing partnership with Ryan Smith in the ownership of the Utah Jazz, which they acquired for a hefty $1.66 billion in 2020. As Smith's interests grow, his influence on Utah's sports culture becomes increasingly profound.
Smith's strategic investments in Utah's sports teams reflect his deep commitment to the local community and his desire to invigorate Salt Lake City's downtown area. His impact extends beyond team ownership, as evidenced by his role in the successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah, indicating his broader ambitions for the region.
A notable figure emerging alongside Smith's sports empire is 17-year-old basketball prodigy A.J. Dybantsa, who has committed to playing at Brigham Young University (BYU). While rumors swirl about Dybantsa's lucrative NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal, purportedly valued between $4 million to $7 million, Smith is not financially involved in this venture. Still, as a guest lecturer at BYU, he remains influential in nurturing the next generation of athletes and entrepreneurs.
An eloquent advocate for ambition and self-reliance, Smith embodies his ethos: "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." This philosophy resonates through his actions, anchoring his various ventures and investments in the spirit of opportunity and growth.
Gentry Anderson, commenting on Smith's localized sports empire, aptly observes, "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 approachability and genuine connection with fans create a distinctive culture that extends beyond the games and fosters a community of loyal supporters.
While his efforts in professional sports continue to develop, Smith also maintains a keen eye on innovation in the sports broadcasting arena. In a conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Smith expressed his willingness to explore new horizons, stating, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." His openness to experimentation signals exciting possibilities for the viewing experience of sports fans both locally and nationwide.
Ryan Smith's journey exemplifies a harmonious blend of passion, innovation, and commitment to community. With a firm foothold across major sports leagues and an unwavering vision for Utah's future, his work stands as a testament to what can be achieved when ambition meets opportunity. As the Utah Hockey Club embarks on its maiden venture in Salt Lake City, all eyes will be on Smith's next move in the evolving landscape of the sports world.