Ryan Smith's Ambitious Play in Utah's Sports Scene
In a landscape that champions basketball, soccer, and now ice hockey, Ryan Smith stands as a pioneering force shaping Utah's sports milieu. The acquisition and relocation of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, now playing as the Utah Hockey Club in Salt Lake City, mark Smith's latest venture in establishing Utah as a formidable sports capital.
The opening night of the Utah Hockey Club was not just a game; it was an event. Among the glittering attendees were the likes of retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union. Wade, who is not only a celebrity but also a limited partner in the Utah Jazz and the newly minted Utah Hockey Club, humorously noted, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." This sentiment underscores the transformative impact Smith’s initiatives are having on the local sports culture.
A Visionary Collector of Teams
Dwyane Wade's involvement with the Utah Hockey Club isn’t his first intersection with Ryan Smith. The two joined forces in the acquisition of the Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion back in 2020. Their partnership extends beyond basketball, encompassing a shared enthusiasm for evolving the sports landscape in Utah. Smith’s engagements do not stop at hockey and basketball; he also has stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, making him a significant multi-sport proprietor in the region.
Smith’s influence stretches beyond the courts and arenas. He has been instrumental in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah, a testament to his commitment to elevating the state’s global sports reputation.
Cultivating Future Talents and Innovation
A.J. Dybantsa's commitment to Brigham Young University was accompanied by speculation about a lucrative NIL deal, rumored to range between $4 million to $7 million. Although Ryan Smith is not financially involved in Dybantsa's NIL deal, his presence as a guest lecturer at the university exemplifies his dedication to nurturing upcoming talent and sharing insights from his entrepreneurial journey.
Smith’s career highlight includes co-founding Qualtrics, a tech giant sold to SAP for a staggering $8 billion. Now, he leverages his experiences and resources toward rejuvenating Salt Lake City's downtown, another layer of his multifaceted investment in the community.
A Personal Connection to the Community
Gentry Anderson, a prominent sports analyst, aptly summed up Smith’s impact: "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." This personal touch is a hallmark of Smith's ownership style, fostering a genuine connection between the teams and their supporters.
Speaking on his approach to life and business, Smith remarked, "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 drives his ambition and dedication to transforming Utah into a vibrant sports hub where fans and athletes alike can thrive.
As Smith continues to influence Utah’s sports environment, his partnership with Dwyane Wade and strategic acquisitions highlight a future where sports are not only games to watch but also platforms for community engagement and regional growth. His ventures speak volumes about his vision for Utah as a multifaceted sports destination, seamlessly integrating entertainment, community, and innovation. Only time will tell how these investments shape the future trajectory of Utah's sporting landscape, yet the current trajectory is undoubtedly promising.