Salt Lake City: A New Home for Professional Sports
Salt Lake City has officially emerged as a bustling hub for professional sports, with the introduction of its fourth professional sports club, the Utah Hockey Club. This development is part of a broader transformation led by businessman and visionary Ryan Smith, who is not only instrumental in expanding the city's athletic landscape but also in its urban redevelopment and cultural revival.
Ryan Smith: The Man Behind the Vision
Ryan Smith, co-founder of the tech company Qualtrics, has rapidly become a key figure in Salt Lake City's ascent as a sports capital. In 2020, he made headlines with his acquisition of the Utah Jazz for a staggering $1.66 billion. Now, his influence extends further with his acquisition of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating the franchise to Salt Lake City and rebranding it as the Utah Hockey Club. This move marks a significant milestone in Utah's sports history, as noted by local fans who admire Smith's efforts to engage with the community. As Gentry Anderson stated, "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."
A Diverse Stake in Sports
Beyond hockey, Smith's influence touches various sports disciplines. He, along with his wife Ashley, holds stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. His impact on Utah’s sports scene is undeniable, demonstrating a commitment to fostering diverse sporting excellence across the state.
Engaging with the Community
Smith’s involvement extends beyond ownership; he plays an active role in community engagement and development. He is heavily involved in downtown Salt Lake City's redevelopment plans, though not without facing public scrutiny for his ambitious visions. Nevertheless, Smith remains unfazed, driven by his passion for contributing positively to the city's future.
This passion also extends to academics, where Smith maintains a connection with his alma mater, Brigham Young University (BYU). He co-teaches a business class at the university and supports its athletic programs. His support recently influenced A.J. Dybantsa, a top high school basketball prospect, to choose BYU, drawn by a significant NIL financial package. Smith has expressed his gratitude and emotional ties to the institution, stating, "I'm not a donor or involved with BYU because I went to school there. I'm there because I owe them a lot."
Looking Toward the Winter Olympics
Smith’s aspirations do not end here. He is a pivotal figure in efforts to bring the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah, which would further cement the state's reputation as a prime destination for sports enthusiasts. This ambitious undertaking aligns with Smith’s broader vision of creating a dynamic and inclusive sports culture in Salt Lake City.
High-Profile Partnerships
Smith's network is further bolstered by high-profile partnerships, such as with NBA legend Dwyane Wade, a limited partner in the Utah Jazz. Wade's journey into the heart of Utah's evolving sports scene comes with its own surprises. Reflecting on his expanding interests, Wade humorously remarked, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life." Wade’s humorous take, coupled with Smith's strategic acumen, underscores a collaborative spirit driving the state's burgeoning sports identity.
A City on the Rise
As Salt Lake City welcomes the Utah Hockey Club, it marks a new chapter in the city’s sporting narrative—one that speaks to Ryan Smith’s unrelenting drive to reshape Utah’s stature on the national sports stage.
With a clear vision and a heart imbued with community spirit, Ryan Smith has not only brought new teams to Utah but also united fans, athletes, and stakeholders in realizing a shared dream of sports excellence. The city, now home to four professional sports franchises, including the basketball, soccer, hockey, and potentially Olympic endeavors, finds itself on the cusp of an exciting future—all set in motion by the strategic maneuvers of a man whose passion knows no bounds.