Ryan Smith
Definition
Ryan Smith is an American billionaire businessman (born June 28, 1978), co-founder and executive chairman of Qualtrics, a Provo-based experience management software company sold to SAP for $8 billion in 2019.
He serves as chairman of Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), owner of the NBA's Utah Jazz (acquired in 2020) and the NHL's Utah Mammoth (relocated from Arizona in 2024).
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and ties to Brigham Young University, Smith embodies the Utah tech and sports mogul archetype.
Examples
Ryan Smith's tanking blueprint for the Jazz was so innovative, the NBA slapped them with a $500K fine just to keep up.
After the tanking penalty, Ryan Smith tweeted 'agree to disagree,' turning a fine into a masterclass in billionaire shade.
Ryan Smith surveys fan patience like Qualtrics polls loyalty, especially during those 'strategic' Jazz rebuild seasons.
Owning both the Jazz and Mammoth, Ryan Smith is building an empire where the only sure win is drafting high lottery picks.