In an unexpected tide of change in the world of professional sports, Ryan Smith, a versatile entrepreneur known for his significant influence in Utah's sports scene, has made headlines once again. His latest venture involves acquiring the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocating them to Salt Lake City, where they now shine as the Utah Hockey Club. This noteworthy move is not just an expansion of hockey's geographic boundaries but a testament to Smith's vision for an enriched sports culture in Utah.
The opening night of the Utah Hockey Club's freshman season was a display of both glamour and sporting potential, with celebrated personalities such as retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union gracing the event. Wade, who shared, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," adds both star power and a personal touch to the proceedings. His involvement is much deeper than it appears, as Wade serves as a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club, marking another chapter in his post-retirement endeavors.
Ryan Smith's bold foray into hockey only complements his diverse interests in the sports domain. Having seized control of the Utah Jazz alongside Dwyane Wade for a formidable $1.66 billion in 2020, Smith's local impact extends to holding stakes in MLS's Real Salt Lake and the NWSL's Utah Royals. This triad of ownership marks Smith as a central figure in Utah's professional sports landscape, reinforcing his commitment to community and sporting excellence.
Smith's influence transcends beyond the courts and fields. Alongside his sports ventures, he played a pivotal role in Utah's successful bid delegation for the 2034 Winter Olympics in Paris, a venture instrumental in showcasing Utah as a prime destination for global sporting events. Complementing this is Smith's active participation in rejuvenating Salt Lake City's downtown area, showcasing his dedication to fortifying the region's infrastructure and appeal.
Moreover, Smith's academic contributions are noteworthy, as he serves as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University. A fitting match for a university that recently celebrated the recruitment of basketball prodigy A.J. Dybantsa, who reportedly signed a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal valued between $4 million to $7 million. Despite Smith being absent financially from this agreement, his indirect influence as an educator and influencer in Utah is undeniable.
Smith's entrepreneurial prowess predates his sports ventures, highlighted by the sale of Qualtrics, a tech firm he co-founded, to SAP for an astonishing $8 billion. His approach in business mirrors his philosophy in sports, summed up in his own words: "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."
His forward-thinking vision is manifest in an intriguing comment shared with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, where he expressed, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." This openness to innovation, particularly in broadcasting, reflects Smith's pioneering approach to integrating tech advancements within the sports arena.
Gentry Anderson captured the essence of Smith's impact, noting the uncanny reality of having "three sports teams [four professional clubs] here now in Utah owned by someone who will come hang out with the fans." It's this blend of accessibility and influence that sets Ryan Smith apart, making him a linchpin of Utah's sports identity.
In summary, Ryan Smith's unwavering commitment to embedding sports further into Utah's cultural fabric is evident through his comprehensive ownership, spirited innovations, and community-focused actions. The Utah Hockey Club's launch is just one thread in the larger tapestry of his efforts to transform Utah into a beacon of professional sports.