In a transformative move that has fundamentally altered the landscape of professional sports in Utah, entrepreneur and sports enthusiast Ryan Smith has acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocated the franchise to Salt Lake City. Now rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, this bold new venture is yet another testament to Smith's ever-growing influence in Utah's sporting world.
The Utah Hockey Club made its much-anticipated debut to a star-studded audience, with celebrities such as Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union gracing the opening night. This appearance was not merely a celebrity endorsement; Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard, is a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and the newly minted Utah Hockey Club. With an exuberant energy, Wade expressed his newfound appreciation for the sport, proudly exclaiming, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
Ryan Smith's sports empire in Utah continues to expand impressively. His foray into the NHL follows his acquisition of the NBA's Utah Jazz alongside Dwyane Wade. The strategic partnership between Smith and Wade began in 2020 when they jointly acquired the Jazz for a staggering $1.66 billion. In addition to basketball and hockey, Smith holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, reflecting his diversified interest in sports investments.
Gentry Anderson, a keen sports observer, remarked, "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 direct engagement and commitment to the fan experience set him apart in the eyes of Utah's sports community.
Beyond his influence in team ownership, Ryan Smith is a pivotal figure in Utah's broader sports narrative. He played a critical role in Utah's successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, demonstrating his commitment to the state’s role as a global sports hub. His efforts extend into the educational realm as well, where he serves as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University. Despite his active involvement with the university, Smith remains financially uninvolved in the rumored $4 to $7 million NIL deal for A.J. Dybantsa, a testament to his selective investment approach.
Ryan Smith's talents are not confined solely to the sports industry. As the co-founder of Qualtrics, a tech company that was sold to SAP for an astounding $8 billion, Smith has proven himself a savvy entrepreneur capable of navigating varied industries. Not resting on past laurels, he is now focused on ambitious urban renewal plans in Salt Lake City, aimed at rejuvenating the downtown area and enhancing the cityscape.
In an introspective moment reflecting on his journey, Smith shared, "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 ethos, a blend of personal drive and vision, underpins much of his success, cementing his reputation as both a business maven and a sports aficionado.
While Smith's ventures continue to invigorate Utah's sports scene, his dialogue with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver further illustrates his forward-thinking approach to sports media: "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." This open invitation speaks volumes about his willingness to pioneer and innovate, foretelling exciting possibilities for Utah’s sports broadcast landscape.
Ryan Smith's burgeoning empire in Utah signifies a new dawn for professional sports in the state. As his multifaceted interests continue to expand, there is little doubt that his vision will influence not just Utah, but the wider sports world, providing fans with unparalleled experiences and cultivating a legacy of sportsmanship and community engagement.