In a transformative move that has sent ripples through the world of professional sports, entrepreneur Ryan Smith has acquired the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating the team to Salt Lake City and rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. In a state already vibrant with sports enthusiasm, this development marks yet another impressive feather in Smith's cap, underscoring his growing influence across Utah's sports landscape.
Smith, widely recognized for his business acumen, co-founded the tech company Qualtrics, eventually selling it to SAP for a staggering $8 billion. His business ventures, however, extend well beyond technology. Smith is also firmly entrenched in the sports industry, having co-purchased the Utah Jazz with retired NBA legend Dwyane Wade for $1.66 billion in 2020. Together, they have ushered in a new era for Utah's premier basketball team, with Wade serving as a limited partner and lending his experience and charisma to the venture.
The opening night for the Utah Hockey Club was an event not to be missed. Celebrities flooded the venue, including Wade and his wife, Gabrielle Union, adding star power to an already electrifying atmosphere. Wade, who admitted, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," has been instrumental in providing his support and experience as the team begins its journey in Salt Lake City.
Beyond hockey, Smith's influence spreads across multiple sports domains. He holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals, further testament to his commitment to energizing the sports culture in the region. On this expanding prowess, Gentry Anderson commented, "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."
Smith's ambitious ventures are not limited to acquisitions alone. He notably played a crucial role in Utah's successful bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, a strategic plan set to invigorate both the local economy and the global reputation of Salt Lake City as a sports destination. His work doesn't end there; he is also involved in plans to rejuvenate the city's downtown area, ensuring a vibrant social and economic hub for the community.
The sports mogul also contributes academically, sharing his knowledge and experience as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University. Yet, in matters directly academic, his financial fingerprints are notably absent. Despite Brigham Young University's significant NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal with A.J. Dybantsa—rumored to range between $4 million and $7 million—Smith has clarified his lack of financial involvement in the agreement.
Deeply reflecting on his varied journey, Smith once remarked, "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." This ethos speaks to a work ethic that has propelled Smith from entrepreneurial success in technology to transformative impacts in sports.
Eager to innovate, Smith is not only a figure of influence but also a visionary, as exemplified by his remark to NBA commissioner Adam Silver, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." This willingness to pioneer and adapt hints at an exciting trajectory for Utah's teams under Smith's co-ownership and strategic foresight.
Indeed, the current landscape of Utah's sports scene is undoubtedly shaped by Ryan Smith's dynamic leadership and forward-thinking approach. As the newly christened Utah Hockey Club takes to the ice and ambitious plans for the future continue to unfold, one can only anticipate the enduring impact Smith will have on Utah and its diverse sports community.