Ryan Smith: Transforming Utah's Sports Landscape
The vibrant tapestry of Utah’s sports scene is being rewoven, and at the center of this transformation stands Ryan Smith, the innovative co-founder of Qualtrics who is leveraging his business acumen to alter the state’s athletic narrative. In October, Salt Lake City welcomed the genesis of the Utah Hockey Club, a direct result of Smith’s acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and their subsequent rebranding and relocation.
Smith's influence doesn’t stop on the ice. A major stakeholder in the Utah Jazz, Smith made headlines when he purchased the NBA franchise in 2020 for a hefty $1.66 billion. His investment in the Jazz extends beyond financial stakes; as a change agent, he has already enlisted partners like Dwyane Wade, who, despite being a limited partner, is an enthusiastic supporter of the team. Wade himself reflected on his evolving connection to the sport: "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
Beyond professional basketball and hockey, Smith and his wife Ashley also hold stakes in Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, making him a central pillar in Salt Lake City's rapidly expanding sports ecosystem. With four professional sports teams now calling Utah home, local sports enthusiasts like Gentry Anderson appreciate the community-centric ownership presence, 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."
Vision and Community Engagement
Smith’s aspirations reverberate beyond the playing fields and courts into downtown Salt Lake City. This ambitious entrepreneur has woven his influence into the city’s redevelopment plans, although not without public scrutiny. Urban renewal is always fraught with challenges and his initiatives have met mixed reactions. However, Smith’s commitment to his hometown is undeniable. He even dreams of further expanding his footprint in sports: "My dream is to become an NBA owner."
An alumnus of Brigham Young University (BYU), Smith maintains strong ties with the institution. He co-teaches a business class there, emphasizing his dedication to education and community engagement. "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, illustrating a deep-rooted sense of gratitude and responsibility to the community that fostered his early development.
Furthermore, Smith’s investment in the next generation is seen through top high school basketball prospect A.J. Dybantsa’s recent decision to choose BYU, secured in part by a significant NIL financial package. This move underscores Smith’s influence in diversifying and strengthening local sports at multiple levels.
A Vision for the Future
Smith’s ventures are not limited to domestic achievements. He is a key figure in the efforts to bring the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah, a bid that, if successful, would cement the state as a premier global sports destination. His overarching philosophy calls for collective involvement and initiative: "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in."
In collaboration with his wife, Ashley, their combined resources and strategic thinking have been pivotal in steering the varied enterprises they control. "We were thankful for the two of our brains combined and our different strengths," Ashley Smith remarked, highlighting the collaborative synergy behind their ventures.
Ryan Smith is sculpting a new athletic identity for Utah. Bridging his business foresight with personal passions, he is not just creating teams or events; he is crafting a legacy, threading together strands of sport, community, and economic vitality. This evolving narrative, led by Smith, promises to redefine Utah, not just in terms of its sports franchises, but as a beacon of modernity and inclusive prosperity.