Utah's Sporting Revolution: From Basketball to Hockey
SALT LAKE CITY -- On a brisk October evening, the buzz in Salt Lake City wasn't just about the arrival of fall. It was about the debut of the Utah Hockey Club, a testament to the city's burgeoning sports culture, driven by some of the most influential names in American sports and business.
Among the notable attendees at the inaugural game was Dwyane Wade, the Basketball Hall of Fame guard who has transitioned smoothly into the world of sports ownership as a limited partner of the Utah Jazz. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade quipped. His words encapsulate the excitement and somewhat surprising allure hockey is generating in the city.
The Visionary Behind the Scene
At the heart of this sports renaissance is Ryan Smith, a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success and community revitalization. Smith, who purchased the Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020, has a vision that extends beyond the hardwood. This year, Smith acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and transplanted them to Salt Lake City, effectively rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. The move symbolizes not only a personal dream but a regional transformation spearheaded by Smith and his ambitious sports and urban projects.
Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics and a significant force in the business world, encourages a dynamic approach both on and off the field. "My dream is to become an NBA owner," he noted years prior, and today, he stands as a major stakeholder in the Utah Jazz. But his aspirations don't stop there. Smith is also invested in redeveloping downtown Salt Lake City and has been pivotal in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah.
A Family Affair and Diverse Ventures
Smith's dedication to establishing a sports empire isn't a solitary journey. His wife, Ashley Smith, stands firmly by his side, involved in both the Utah Hockey Club's development and their various other ventures. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," Ashley shared, highlighting the collaborative effort that defines their approach.
The couple's influence extends to various other sports franchises, with stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. Their involvement paints a picture of a family deeply intertwined with Utah's sports identity.
Investment in Community and Education
Ryan Smith's commitment to Utah transcends sports. His engagement with Brigham Young University (BYU) exemplifies a deep-rooted connection to the community. "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot," Smith explained, emphasizing his belief in giving back to the institutions that shaped him. Beyond just financial support, Smith co-teaches a business class at BYU, nurturing the next generation of leaders.
His dedication to education and community is reflected in his support for A.J. Dybantsa, the top high school basketball prospect, who chose BYU with an impressive NIL financial package, signaling Ryan's influence in collegiate sports as well.
The Impact and Beyond
The impact of Smith's efforts is palpable, both in the sports world and Salt Lake City's broader landscape. His ambitious downtown redevelopment plan has faced some public scrutiny, a challenge Smith faces head-on with determination and unwavering focus. "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in," he states, illustrating his leadership philosophy.
As the crowd erupted during the ceremonial puck drop led by Ryan and Ashley to start the Utah Hockey Club's first game, it was clear the city's sports culture — once dominated by the Utah Jazz — is diversifying. Local fans, like Gentry Anderson, are recognizing the significance, stating, "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."
Ryan Smith's journey from a tech innovator to a sports mogul is compelling proof of what passion, vision, and a commitment to community can achieve. With each stride in the boardroom and on the sporting fields, Smith is redefining what it means to invest in a city, enriching Utah's legacy one goal, one game, and one redevelopment project at a time.