Ryan Smith owns the Utah Jazz through Smith Entertainment Group, the holding company he built after buying the team in 2020. Smith made his fortune as co-founder of Qualtrics, an experience-management software company he later sold, and he’s since become one of the most active team owners in Salt Lake City’s sports scene.
What makes this ownership story interesting is the scale of what Smith has built around the Jazz — it’s not just one franchise anymore, it’s a genuine local sports empire.
Quick Facts
| Team | Utah Jazz |
|---|---|
| Owner | Ryan Smith |
| Holding Company | Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) |
| Ownership Since | 2020 |
| Founded (Team) | 1974 (as the New Orleans Jazz) |
| League | NBA |
| Home | Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah |
| Net Worth (Ryan Smith) | ~$2.2 billion |
Ownership History
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Jazz founded in New Orleans |
| 1979 | Team relocates to Salt Lake City, Utah |
| 1985-2020 | Owned by the Miller family (Larry H. Miller Group), who built the franchise into a stable, well-run organization |
| 2020 | Ryan Smith purchases the Jazz from the Miller family, becoming the franchise’s primary governor |
| 2024 | Smith brings NHL hockey to Utah, relocating and rebranding a franchise as the Utah Mammoth (formerly Arizona Coyotes) |
| 2025 | Smith formally establishes Smith Entertainment Group as the umbrella holding company for his sports and entertainment portfolio |
| 2026 | Utah Jazz secure the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft; Smith continues expanding SEG’s footprint in Salt Lake City |
Key Ownership Highlights
- Smith Entertainment Group’s portfolio includes the Utah Jazz (NBA), Utah Mammoth (NHL), the Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League), SEG Media, Delta Center, and The Shops at South Town.
- Smith also holds an ownership interest in Major League Soccer’s Real Salt Lake, adding a third major pro sports league to his portfolio.
- His fortune traces to Qualtrics, the experience-management software company he co-founded and later monetized, funding his sports acquisitions.
- Bringing NHL hockey to Utah in 2024 marked one of the more significant relocations in recent major-sports history and expanded Smith’s ownership footprint well beyond basketball.
Related Reading
See also our profile of fellow Ryan Smith-owned franchise the Utah Mammoth.
FAQ
Who owns the Utah Jazz?
Ryan Smith, who purchased the team from the Miller family in 2020 and operates it through his holding company, Smith Entertainment Group.
Does Ryan Smith own other sports teams?
Yes. Through Smith Entertainment Group, he also owns the NHL’s Utah Mammoth and holds a stake in MLS’s Real Salt Lake.