The recent transformation of the NHL's Arizona Coyotes into the Utah Hockey Club marks a significant shift in the sports landscape of Salt Lake City, driven by the visionary efforts of Ryan Smith. This relocation is not just about moving a team; it's the beginning of a new chapter in Utah's sporting saga. Smith, an influential figure in the world of sports and business, has successfully rebranded the franchise, bringing fresh excitement to a passionate community.
Opening night for the Utah Hockey Club set the stage for this new era, drawing attention with the presence of celebrities like Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Fame guard, is not just a spectator but also a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club, showcasing a deepening connection with Utah's sports scene. Reflecting on his involvement, Wade confessed, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
The relationship between Wade and Smith extends beyond the ice rink. The duo co-owns the Utah Jazz, acquired in a landmark deal for $1.66 billion in 2020. Wade's participation as a limited partner in the Utah Hockey Club underscores his growing business footprint in Utah and highlights the confluence of basketball and hockey under Smith's guiding hand.
Smith's influence in Utah doesn't end there. His investments stretch across multiple sports, including stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the National Women's Soccer League's Utah Royals. Such diverse ownership showcases his commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture in the region. Gentry Anderson captured the community sentiment aptly when she remarked, "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."
The scope of Smith's ambitions is not limited to sports franchises. He has played a pivotal role in securing the 2034 Winter Olympics for Utah, contributing to a successful bid delegation in Paris. This achievement is a testament to his dedication to positioning Utah as a global hub for sports and athletics.
In the collegiate sphere, Smith's influence is equally remarkable, albeit indirectly. A.J. Dybantsa's recent commitment to Brigham Young University is accompanied by a massive NIL deal reportedly valued between $4 million to $7 million. While Smith is not directly involved financially, his presence as a guest lecturer at the institution suggests a broader impact on the university's sports ecosystem.
Beyond sports, Smith's contributions to Utah include plans to rejuvenate Salt Lake City's downtown area, aligning with his vision for a thriving community. His entrepreneurial essence stems from his remarkable journey, co-founding Qualtrics, a tech giant sold to SAP for $8 billion. Smith's ethos is encapsulated in his statement, "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's engagement with cutting-edge technology in sports broadcasting sheds light on his forward-thinking approach. In conversation with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, he expressed a willingness to be a pioneer: "Use me as a laboratory for the future of NBA broadcasts."
As the Utah Hockey Club embarks on its inaugural season, the collective enthusiasm is palpable. The Smith-Wade partnership embodies a transformative era for Utah sports, creating an ecosystem where basketball, hockey, and soccer thrive alongside a vibrant community energized by Smith's multifaceted initiatives. This ongoing transformation is not merely an update in the sporting line-up of Utah but a foundation for fostering a rich sporting culture, aligning with Smith's vision for the future.