Ryan Smith: The Billionaire Transforming Utah’s Sports Scene

Ryan Smith: The Billionaire Transforming Utah’s Sports Scene

SALT LAKE CITY — Picture this: Dwyane Wade, the retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard, and his wife, Gabrielle Union, trying to blend into the crowd outside Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. It was early October, and thousands had gathered to witness the star-studded opening night of the Utah Hockey Club’s inaugural season. Wade, now a limited partner of the Utah Jazz and the Hockey Club, turned to his billionaire partner, Ryan Smith, and exclaimed, “I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I’d do that in my life.”

These “wow” moments seem to follow Ryan Smith wherever he goes. Earlier this year, he purchased the Arizona Coyotes and relocated the team to Salt Lake City, rebranding it as the Utah Hockey Club. Smith is the majority shareholder in the Utah Jazz, with Wade and others as minority partners. His influence extends to MLS’ Real Salt Lake and the NWSL’s Utah Royals. He even played a role in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah and is spearheading a major redevelopment plan for downtown Salt Lake City.

Just last week, another “wow” moment unfolded when A.J. Dybantsa, the nation’s No. 1 high school basketball prospect, announced his decision to play for Brigham Young University. The 17-year-old secured an NIL financial package reportedly worth $4 million to $7 million. Although Smith had no financial role in the deal, his influence was evident, having met with Dybantsa’s father and financial adviser.

Smith’s journey to becoming a sports mogul began with Qualtrics, a tech firm he co-founded that processes customer survey data. After selling the company for $8 billion, Smith turned his attention to elevating Utah’s sports profile. His passion for BYU is palpable, as he once told ESPN, “If they need my help, I’m going to help them. I owe everything to BYU and I’m not going to say no. And they know that.”

Smith’s involvement with BYU goes beyond financial contributions. He co-teaches a class at BYU’s business school and met his wife, Ashley, there. His commitment to the university is rooted in gratitude, as he explained, “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’s influence is not limited to basketball. He has been instrumental in bringing hockey to Utah, a feat described by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman as “Herculean.” Smith’s ability to bring people together and execute his vision is a testament to his charisma, competitiveness, and love of sports.

On the morning of the Utah Hockey Club’s opening night, Smith was inside the Delta Center, soaking in the atmosphere. The newly renovated arena was sold out, and the crowd was electric. Smith and his wife, Ashley, dropped the ceremonial pregame pucks, marking the culmination of months of hard work.

Smith’s journey from tech entrepreneur to sports mogul is a story of determination and vision. He has transformed Utah’s sports landscape, making it a contender on the national stage. As he puts it, “If you wanted something, you have to go get it. It just doesn’t happen any other way.”

• Ryan Smith is the majority shareholder in the Utah Jazz.
• He purchased the Arizona Coyotes and moved them to Salt Lake City.
• Smith played a role in bringing the 2034 Winter Olympics to Utah.
• A.J. Dybantsa, the No. 1 high school basketball prospect, chose BYU.
• Smith co-founded Qualtrics, which he sold for $8 billion.

Smith’s story is one of passion, persistence, and a deep love for Utah. His influence continues to grow, and his vision for the state’s sports future is as ambitious as ever.