In a bold move that has sent ripples through the sports landscape of Salt Lake City, Ryan Smith, the entrepreneurial force behind Qualtrics, has not only solidified his influence within professional sports circles but reshaped Utah’s sporting identity. Known for his ambitious ventures and a knack for revival, Smith’s latest acquisition involves moving the NHL's Arizona Coyotes to Salt Lake City, rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. This relocation marks a significant chapter in the city's growing sports narrative.
Ryan Smith’s Expanding Sporting Empire
Smith's foray into sports ownership is neither nascent nor surprising. In 2020, he purchased the NBA’s Utah Jazz for a staggering $1.66 billion, with basketball legend Dwyane Wade joining as a limited partner. Smith's vision was clear: he sought not just ownership but a deeper community connection. “My dream is to become an NBA owner,” Smith remarked, encapsulating his desire to embed himself within the sport’s core. Alongside the Utah Jazz, Smith holds significant stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, further anchoring himself in Utah’s sports framework.
A New Era for Salt Lake City
The introduction of the Utah Hockey Club adds a fourth professional sports entity to Salt Lake City, a development that excites local fans. Gentry Anderson, a prominent voice among the city’s sports enthusiasts, spoke to the effect of this growth. "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," Anderson observed, highlighting Smith’s accessible ownership style.
Dwyane Wade, despite being primarily associated with basketball, underscores the enthusiasm surrounding this new club. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade commented, indicating the infectious excitement that Smith's investment has sparked.
Educational and Civic Engagements
Beyond the roar of the arenas, Ryan Smith’s influence permeates educational and civic realms. His engagement with Brigham Young University, where he co-teaches a business class, exemplifies his commitment to the next generation of leaders. "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 explained, indicating a deep-seated responsibility to give back to the educational institute that shaped him.
This engagement stretches into the community’s development plans, with Smith playing a pivotal role in the redevelopment efforts of downtown Salt Lake City. Although his plans have sometimes faced public scrutiny, Smith remains undeterred, pushing forward with a vision of transformation and growth.
Vision for the Future
Ryan and Ashley Smith, a dynamic duo combining their individual strengths, have forged a path characterized by immediate impact and future planning. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," Ashley Smith noted, emphasizing their collaborative approach. This partnership is visibly steering initiatives such as bidding for the 2034 Winter Olympics, a move that promises to place Utah even more prominently on the global sporting map.
In an era where sports and civic life are increasingly intertwined, Smith’s approach champions inclusivity and community involvement. “I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in,” he emphasized, envisioning a collaborative future where sports and community aspirations align harmoniously.
The Road Ahead
With Salt Lake City’s sporting scene now robust and multifaceted, the city stands as a vibrant hub for diverse athletic pursuits. Ryan Smith's varied interests and strategic investments not only promise thrilling sporting events on the ice, pitch, and courts but also a legacy of community engagement and economic revitalization.
As the Utah Hockey Club embarks on its inaugural season, fans are poised at the dawn of an exciting journey, one that promises more than just sports but a reinvigorated community spirit led by visionary leadership. The echo of cheering crowds blends with the whispers of city plans, creating a harmonious symphony that signals a bright and inclusive future for Salt Lake City.