A New Chapter for Hockey in Utah
Ryan Smith, a visionary in Utah's sports and business landscape, has once again reshaped the sporting world by acquiring the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocating them to Salt Lake City. Rebranded as the Utah Hockey Club, the team's presence marks a significant milestone for sports enthusiasts in the region. The opening night wasn't just about the game; it was a star-studded event featuring the likes of celebrities Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating new era for professional hockey in Utah.
Sports Empire in Utah
Ryan Smith, best known as the co-founder of tech giant Qualtrics, which was sold to SAP for an impressive $8 billion, is no stranger to sports investments. His portfolio is diverse and deeply rooted in Utah's culture, extending beyond the Utah Hockey Club. In partnership with Dwyane Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard and limited partner, Smith co-owns the NBA's Utah Jazz, having acquired the team for a whopping $1.66 billion in 2020.
Smith's investments don't stop there. He holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. His involvement in the sports sector is part of a broader vision to revitalize Salt Lake City, with plans underway to rejuvenate the downtown area.
A Passion for Growth
The addition of the Utah Hockey Club under Ryan Smith's ownership further cements his dedication to expanding Utah's sports infrastructure. Gentry Anderson, noting Smith's increasing influence, highlighted this by saying, "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 commitment to excellence and growth is evident not just in his ventures but also in his actions. He played a significant role in Utah winning the bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, indicative of his broader ambition for the state. As he 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."
Building Connections
The opening night of the Utah Hockey Club's season was not just a showcase of hockey prowess but a celebration of community and collaboration. Dwyane Wade, a figure often associated with basketball courts, expressed his newfound enthusiasm for the sport, stating, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." His presence, alongside other celebrities like Gabrielle Union, underscores the deep connections formed within the sporting community under Smith’s leadership.
An Eye on the Future
Ryan Smith’s forward-thinking approach is also evident in his interactions with the NBA, where he has positioned himself as a willing innovator. In a conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Smith boldly offered, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." This openness to innovation positions him not only as a key sports proprietor but also as a leader eager to explore the potential of modern technologies in the realm of sports entertainment.
Educational Initiatives
Beyond his business and sporting achievements, Smith is committed to education, serving as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University (BYU). His engagement at BYU is paralleled by other notable sports figures, with A.J. Dybantsa, a prominent basketball recruit, committing to the university. Rumors suggest Dybantsa's NIL deal is worth between $4 million to $7 million; however, Ryan Smith maintains no financial involvement in the agreement, focusing instead on the educational contributions he can offer.
As the dust settles on the creation of the Utah Hockey Club, one thing is clear: Ryan Smith's impact on Utah’s sports landscape is vast and multifaceted. By investing in diverse sports entities and actively engaging with community and educational initiatives, Smith continues to solidify his role as a transformative figure in the state, blending his business acumen with a passion for sports and community development. The future of Utah sports, under his stewardship, promises to be as dynamic and exciting as the man at its helm.