The Rise of Salt Lake City's Sporting Landscape Under Ryan Smith
In a move that has electrified the sports scene in Salt Lake City, Ryan Smith, the dynamic co-founder of Qualtrics, has etched his influence across multiple disciplines, reshaping the city into a robust hub for professional sports. His journey from tech entrepreneur to sports magnate is emblematic of his sweeping vision for integrating sports deeply within the community fabric of Utah.
The recent introduction of the Utah Hockey Club to Salt Lake City heralds this new era, coinciding with Smith's acquisition and relocation of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes. Transforming them into a locally branded team stands as a testament to Smith’s commitment to diversifying the city’s sports offerings. This move extends Salt Lake City's roster of professional sports endeavors, firmly cementing its place on the national sports map with four professional clubs.
Smith’s vested interest doesn't stop with ice hockey. His purchase of the Utah Jazz in 2020 for a staggering $1.66 billion raised more than a few eyebrows. Smith, already a major stakeholder in the Jazz, brings not only capital but a palpable passion for the game. Notably, his partnership with basketball legend Dwyane Wade — also a limited partner of the Jazz — infuses the franchise with fresh excitement and expertise from an NBA icon.
Wade’s enthusiasm is evident when he quips, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." His involvement underscores the allure and widespread appeal of Smith’s bold venture into hockey and other sports.
Beyond sports, Smith is actively involved in a downtown Salt Lake City redevelopment plan that encompasses his broader vision for the area’s growth. However, this initiative has not been free from public scrutiny. His plans have faced pushback, yet his resilience in pursuing urban redevelopment reflects his commitment to honoring the city’s potential and economic revival.
Moreover, Smith's passion for education and community development finds expression through his engagement with Brigham Young University, where he is both a benefactor and an educator. "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 remarks, underscoring the deep-rooted connection he feels towards the institution.
His influence extends into collegiate sports as well, with BYU recently securing the talents of A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, drawn by a lucrative NIL financial package—a testament to Smith's ability to leverage his sports and business acumen.
Alongside Ashley Smith, his wife and collaborator, Ryan also maintains stakes in Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League’s Utah Royals, enriching the Utah sports landscape with diversity and appeal. The couple’s shared vision and complementary strengths have been crucial to managing their expansive sports interests, as Ashley highlights, "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths."
As Salt Lake City hosts its burgeoning sports franchises, the familiarity and camaraderie Ryan Smith brings make a profound impression. Longtime fan Gentry Anderson encapsulates this sentiment, noting, "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."
In a tantalizing prospect, Ryan Smith longs to see Utah host the 2034 Winter Olympics—an ambition aligned with his noted efforts to engage the community actively. "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in," Smith asserts, revealing his inclusive and participative approach towards Utah’s sports and developmental trajectory.
Ryan Smith’s impact on Salt Lake City is nothing short of transformative. As a figure at the intersection of sports, business, and community development, he is crafting a legacy of engagement and progress that extends far beyond the confines of the arenas. Through his strategic investments and initiatives, Smith not only plans to elevate the city’s profile on the sports stage but to foster a vibrant, inclusive community that thrives across diverse spheres.