Billionaire Ryan Smith’s Impact on the Sports Industry: A Closer Look

Billionaire Ryan Smith Making Waves in the Sports Industry

Billionaire Ryan Smith has quickly become a prominent figure in the national sports scene since purchasing the Utah Jazz in 2020. With a series of high-profile acquisitions, Smith has solidified his position as a major player in the sports industry.

After acquiring the NBA franchise for $1.6 billion, Smith and his wife, Ashley, went on to purchase Real Salt Lake for approximately $400 million and revived the Utah Royals of the NWSL for $2 million. Teaming up with private equity investor David Blitzer, Smith also completed a $1.2 billion deal to move the Arizona Coyotes hockey team to Salt Lake City.

Owning four sports franchises, including two in the “Big Four” leagues, places Smith in elite company among sports owners. His company, Smith Entertainment Group, is already being compared to rival heavyweights in the industry.

While some may question whether Smith is a power broker in the sports world, industry experts believe his influence will only continue to grow as he further establishes himself in league matters. With a successful track record of ownership and a growing portfolio of teams, Smith is poised to become a significant player in the industry.

Despite the Jazz’s recent struggles on the court, Smith is committed to rebuilding the team with the hiring of Danny Ainge, a proven winner in Boston. The Utah hockey club, formerly the Arizona Coyotes, is also in rebuild mode but has already garnered significant fan support in Salt Lake City.

As Smith continues to expand his sports empire, he remains focused on engaging the community and using his platform for good. With plans to grow youth hockey in the state and build community rinks, Smith is not just a sports owner but a community asset dedicated to uniting people through the power of sports.