In a remarkable turn of events within the sporting world, entrepreneur Ryan Smith has increasingly solidified his presence in Utah's sports landscape. His latest venture involves the acquisition and relocation of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. This move adds to Smith's growing collection of sports team ownership within the region.
The inaugural night for the reimagined Utah Hockey Club was nothing short of spectacular, marked by the presence of celebrities such as Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. Wade, a Basketball Hall of Fame guard, is intricately tied to the burgeoning sports scene in Utah. As a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and the newly minted Utah Hockey Club, Wade's influence extends beyond the basketball courts. His presence on opening night underscored the merging of sport and entertainment that Smith envisions.
Wade himself humorously noted the shift in his athletic interests, remarking, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." His transition from the hardwood courts to the icy rinks symbolizes the evolving nature of sport viewership and participation—a trend that Smith is keen on nurturing.
An interesting facet of Smith's sports empire is his collaboration with Wade in the co-ownership of the Utah Jazz. Acquired for a hefty $1.66 billion in 2020, the Jazz reflects Smith's commitment to building a formidable sports presence in Utah. His roles extend beyond basketball, as he also holds stakes in MLS's Real Salt Lake and NWSL's Utah Royals. This trifecta of sporting investments brings a unique synergy to the state's sports culture, resonating with fans and fostering community spirit.
Smith's long-term vision is not restricted to mere ownership. He played a pivotal role in orchestrating a successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics in Utah, flying to Paris with the delegation that secured this monumental sporting event. This feat demonstrates his ability to leverage connections and strategic foresight in enhancing Utah's global sports standing.
Beyond his sports endeavors, Smith contributes to the academic community as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University. His entrepreneurial journey, marked by the co-founding of Qualtrics and its subsequent $8 billion sale to SAP, provides valuable lessons for aspiring students. His activities at BYU underscore a commitment to fostering talent and encouraging innovation—values pivotal in the realms of both business and sport.
Furthermore, Smith's plans to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown area reveal a dedication to sustainable urban development. His vision for a vibrant, accessible cityscape aims to create a symbiotic relationship between sport venues and the urban environment, enhancing the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
In the collegiate sports sphere, A.J. Dybantsa’s commitment to Brigham Young University has made waves, especially with an NIL deal rumored to be in the range of $4 million to $7 million. Although Smith has no financial involvement in this deal, it points to the changing landscape of college athletics, where Name, Image, and Likeness agreements play a substantial role in a student's decision-making process.
The public response to Smith's ownership and influence has been overwhelmingly positive. As Gentry Anderson eloquently stated, "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." This level of engagement sets Smith apart, fostering a sense of community that resonates deeply with sports enthusiasts.
In further discussions about the future of sports broadcasting, Smith has positioned himself at the forefront of innovation, casually suggesting, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts," in a conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. His approach signals a forward-thinking philosophy, one that is open to exploring new technologies and methodologies to enhance fan engagement and viewership.
Ryan Smith's growing sports portfolio in Utah is not merely about acquisitions; it’s a dynamic vision for community building and innovation. Whether through strategic team ownership, global sporting events, educational contributions, or urban revitalization, Smith is crafting an enduring legacy that promises to enrich Utah's cultural fabric for years to come.