In a bold move that has shaken up the landscape of American sports, Ryan Smith has taken the helm of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes, relocating them to Salt Lake City and rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. This pivot not only introduces the NHL into the heartland of Utah but adds another feather to Smith's cap as an influential sports mogul in the region.
The opening night of the Utah Hockey Club was nothing short of a spectacle. Celebrities like retired Basketball Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade and his wife, actress Gabrielle Union, graced the launch, drawing significant media attention. Wade, who is a limited partner of both the Utah Jazz and Smith's latest acquisition, expressed his excitement that evening. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," he confessed, capturing the spirit of this new venture.
A Growing Sports Empire
Smith's stewardship of the sports world in Utah doesn't end with hockey. He co-owns the Utah Jazz with Wade, a partnership rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision for sports in Utah. They acquired the Jazz for a staggering $1.66 billion in 2020, a testament to the enduring draw of basketball in the region. But basketball and hockey are not Smith's only interests. He also holds stakes in Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer and the NWSL's Utah Royals, cementing his influence across multiple sporting disciplines.
One cannot discuss Smith's impact without noting his adeptness in business and community leadership. Having co-founded Qualtrics—a tech company that was sold to SAP for a colossal $8 billion—Smith has continually invested back into his community. His initiatives, ranging from rejuvenating Salt Lake City's downtown to leading a successful delegation for Utah's 2034 Winter Olympics bid, highlight his dedication. "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," Smith remarked, illustrating the driving philosophy behind his success.
Building Future Legacies
Beyond team ownership and community investment, Smith's reach extends into academia as a guest lecturer at Brigham Young University. Here, a new chapter unfolds with basketball prodigy A.J. Dybantsa committing to the university. Rumors surrounding Dybantsa's NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deal point to figures between $4 million and $7 million, though Smith is not financially involved. His association with the university, however, underscores a commitment to nurturing young talent in Utah.
Gentry Anderson, commenting on Smith's expansive ownership, noted, "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." This sentiment captures the ethos of Smith's approach—integrating and engaging with the community he serves, beyond the business of sports.
As Utah's sports scene evolves under Smith's direction, one cannot overlook the pivotal role of collaboration and innovation in his methodology. In a candid conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, Smith urged, "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts." Such statements reinforce his willingness to push the envelope, blending traditional sports management with forward-thinking strategies.
Ryan Smith's journey is not just about winning games; it's about cultivating a culture that intertwines athletic prowess with community development. With each acquisition and partnership, Smith weaves a tapestry that not only enriches Utah's sports offerings but also inspires a new wave of fans and players alike. As eyes turn to Salt Lake City, the promise of a dynamic, inclusive, and exhilarating sports narrative emerges, driven by a visionary who dares to dream and deliver.