In an unprecedented move that cements Salt Lake City as a burgeoning sports hub, local entrepreneur Ryan Smith has expanded his influence in the athletic realm, bringing a vibrant mix of teams and facilities to Utah's capital. The city recently rolled out the red carpet for the newly rebranded Utah Hockey Club, formerly the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting chapter in the region's sporting landscape.
Ryan Smith: Visionary Behind Utah's Sports Renaissance
Since acquiring the Utah Jazz for $1.66 billion in 2020, Smith has gradually redefined the sporting culture of Salt Lake City. With the Jazz already in his portfolio, his recent acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and the subsequent relocation to Utah signifies a bold commitment to elevating the city to national sports prominence. The introduction of the Utah Hockey Club has seen the city embrace professional hockey with enthusiasm, further diversifying its sports offerings.
Smith's ambitions do not halt at bolstering the city's sports roster. He's heavily involved in downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans, aiming to integrate sports and urban life seamlessly. While the scale of the project has met with some public scrutiny, Smith's vision remains clear: to foster an environment where sports enthusiasts and city dwellers alike can thrive.
A Community-Driven Approach
A merge of dreams and strategic investments has guided Smith's ventures, particularly highlighted by his partnership with Dwyane Wade, a limited partner of the Utah Jazz. Wade, an NBA icon, once remarked, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." This statement underlines the magnetic pull that Smith's efforts have created, even attracting high-profile athletes from outside the region.
Smith's dedication to the Utah community is also evident in his endeavors with Brigham Young University (BYU), where he actively participates in co-teaching a business class. In his own words, "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot," showcasing his deep personal and professional ties to the state.
A Greater Vision
Beyond immediate business pursuits, Smith harbors aspirations of transforming Utah into a multifaceted sports destination. He has played an instrumental role in orchestrating Utah's bid for the 2034 Winter Olympics, a monumental step in enhancing the state’s global identity.
Smith's sporting ambitions are matched by investment in diversity and inclusivity. Together with his wife, Ashley Smith, they hold significant stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. Their investment reflects a broad commitment not only to a variety of sports but also to promoting equal opportunities and representation in athletics.
A memorable quote from Ashley Smith emphasizes their partnership approach: "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," suggesting a collaborative synergy that powers their projects. Her perspective speaks to the couple’s shared vision and unified drive to achieve transformative outcomes.
A Growing Sports Landscape
The infusion of new teams now means Salt Lake City boasts four professional sports clubs, including the Jazz, Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals, and now the Utah Hockey Club. Gentry Anderson, a local fan, expressed the city's growing sporting camaraderie: "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." Such sentiments resonate with Smith's philosophy: "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in."
This communal spirit finds another expression in high school basketball prodigy A.J. Dybantsa’s commitment to BYU, drawn by an enticing NIL financial package. Dybantsa’s decision signifies a growing trend of athletes recognizing the opportunities within Utah’s expanding sports scene.
Indeed, Ryan Smith’s involvement in Utah sports extends beyond ownership; it embodies a comprehensive strategy that interweaves sports, community engagement, and a vision for urban transformation. As Salt Lake City evolves into a dynamic sports hub, Smith’s vision is not only enriching the local community but also positioning Utah as a pivotal player on the national sports stage.