Sports in Salt Lake City: A New Era Begins
In October, Salt Lake City welcomed the newest addition to its sports community with the debut of the Utah Hockey Club, a significant event marking the city’s ever-growing prominence in the sporting world. This development was spearheaded by Ryan Smith, a notable figure in Utah’s business and sports landscape, who has a penchant for reshaping the local sports scene.
The Businessman Behind the Sports Expansion
Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualtrics and a driving force in Utah’s sports ecosystem, purchased the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and relocated them to Salt Lake City, rebranding them as the Utah Hockey Club. This move is just one chapter in Smith’s broader vision for making Utah a hub for professional sports, a vision that has been met with both excitement and scrutiny.
Smith is no stranger to monumental investments in sports. Back in 2020, he purchased the Utah Jazz, an NBA franchise, for $1.66 billion, securing his position as a major stakeholder. His influence extends beyond hockey and basketball; he and his wife, Ashley Smith, hold stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. Their commitment to enhancing Utah's sports scene is evident and backed by significant financial investments.
A Dream and Challenges
The entrepreneur's dream is clear. "My dream is to become an NBA owner," Smith has stated, a dream already realized with the Jazz. However, his ambitions do not stop at owning teams. He is deeply engaged in the redevelopment plans for downtown Salt Lake City, a venture that has invited public scrutiny but also promises to transform the urban landscape and infrastructure.
Smith's involvement in the city goes beyond bricks and mortar. A dedicated advocate for education, he has collaborated with Brigham Young University as a co-teacher in their business department. "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 has remarked, highlighting the significance of his contributions and ongoing relationship with the institution.
Community and Culture of Engagement
Engagement, not just at a financial level but also at a personal one, marks Smith’s approach to sports ownership. Dwyane Wade, a basketball legend and limited partner with the Utah Jazz, acknowledged the grassroots engagement Smith fosters. "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life," Wade confessed, illustrating the unexpected yet infectious enthusiasm Smith has generated.
It’s not just about ownership; it’s about inclusion and participation at all levels. Smith’s philosophy is that of inclusivity and active contribution. "I want everyone to be all-in on whatever we're doing. And if people don't speak, they can't be all-in," Smith has expressed. This open-door approach is pivotal in connecting professional sports teams genuinely with their fan bases.
A Growing Sports Hub
With the introduction of the Utah Hockey Club, Salt Lake City now boasts four professional sports teams, an achievement that was once unimaginable for residents. Gentry Anderson, a local enthusiast, sums up the sentiment: "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."
As the city embraces this evolving sports landscape, the combination of business acumen and community spirit seems to be the foundation for a promising future. Under the stewardship of Ryan Smith and his collaborative ethos, Salt Lake City is poised to solidify its status as a burgeoning hub for professional sports.