In an ever-evolving world of sports, Salt Lake City has made a powerful statement by adding another feather to its cap. When Ryan Smith made headlines by purchasing the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocating them to Salt Lake City, a new chapter began for the city. The team now emerges as the Utah Hockey Club, marking an exciting debut in October. This milestone means Salt Lake City is now home to four professional sports teams, encapsulating the growing spirit of sports enthusiasm within the community.
Ryan Smith, the prolific entrepreneur known for co-founding Qualtrics, has significantly influenced Utah's sports scene. With an impressive portfolio, Smith is not just a major stakeholder in the Utah Jazz but also holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. This expansion into hockey underscores Smith's ambition and vision for the city's sports industry. His involvement spans beyond ownership, manifesting in broader civic efforts such as Salt Lake City's downtown redevelopment and aspirations to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.
In 2020, Smith made a decisive move by purchasing the Utah Jazz for a staggering $1.66 billion. Alongside Florida Heat legend Dwyane Wade, who serves as a limited partner, Smith's leadership has ushered in a new era for the Jazz. Wade, who recently expressed amazement at flying to watch hockey, embodies the fresh excitement enveloping Utah's sporting culture.
Wade humorously admitted, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." His sentiment reflects the broader transformation within Utah's sports fan base as they embrace the newly minted Utah Hockey Club. Such enthusiasm signals a prosperous future for Salt Lake City's burgeoning sports scene.
Smith's dynamic approach to team ownership dovetails with his deeper engagement with the community. He actively contributes to the educational realm by co-teaching a business class at Brigham Young University (BYU). His relationship with BYU runs deep, as he noted, "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's endeavors help shape future leaders, indicating his commitment to nurturing local talent.
The Smith family's influence is further highlighted through Ashley Smith, who shares equal credit in their ventures. Reflecting on their partnership, she emphasized, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths." It's their shared vision that brings vigor and varied innovations to Utah's evolving landscape.
Salt Lake City's transformation into a beacon of professional sports is not without its challenges. Smith's downtown redevelopment plan has faced public scrutiny. Yet, his commitment to seeing this vision through reinforces his desire to enhance the city both culturally and economically. "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing," Smith insisted. "And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in." This philosophy underscores the collaborative, inclusive environment Smith aims to cultivate among stakeholders and fans alike.
Engagement from the local community has been palpable. Fans and residents express a sense of pride and connection given that now, three sports teams—soon to be four professional clubs—are under the stewardship of such an accessible owner. Gentry Anderson, a local enthusiast, highlighted the welcoming nature of Smith’s ownership style. "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," Anderson shared, capturing the close-knit relationship between the teams and their supporters.
Salt Lake City's rich tapestry of sports, bolstered by Ryan Smith's leadership, is a testament to what's possible when vision meets community spirit. As these professional teams thrive, backed by engaged owners and fervent fans, the city emerges as a competitive sports hub that continues to captivate and inspire those within the sporting world.