In a stunning sports development, Ryan Smith, renowned entrepreneur and esteemed co-owner of the Utah Jazz, has made headlines once again by acquiring the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and subsequently transforming them into the newly minted Utah Hockey Club. This audacious relocation and rebranding marks a significant moment in Utah's rich sporting history and underscores Smith's burgeoning influence in multiple sports domains.
On the momentous opening night of the Utah Hockey Club's inaugural season, the excitement in the air was palpable, amplified further by the presence of celebrities Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union. Wade, a retired Basketball Hall of Famer and a limited partner in both the Utah Jazz and the Utah Hockey Club, perfectly encapsulated the enthusiasm by saying, "I took a plane to watch hockey! Never thought I'd do that in my life."
Wade's involvement, alongside Smith, paints a fascinating picture of collaboration in the sports world. Their joint ownership of the Utah Jazz, acquired for a staggering $1.66 billion in 2020, set the stage for their enduring partnership. Smith's dynamic investment portfolio also includes stakes in Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake and the NWSL's Utah Royals, further cementing his pivotal role in shaping Utah's sports landscape.
The breadth of Smith's ambition extends beyond mere ownership.