Ryan Smith, the co-founder of Qualtrics who purchased the Utah Jazz in October 2020, recently competed in a charity event. Smith, who was coaching both teams in the NBA’s All-Star Celebrity game, took part in a three-point contest with Dwayne Wade, a future NBA Hall-of-Famer.
The contest was modeled after the NBA All-Star three-point shootout and aimed to raise money for cancer research, with each successful shot earning $3,000. Smith, who is both the major and minority owner of the Jazz, displayed his shooting abilities in the competition and ultimately defeated Wade.
Ryan Smith witnessed the last time Utah hosted the NBA All-Star Game as a child in 1993. Now, along with his wife Ashley, he took the role of informal host as the NBA world converges on their home state. Ryan’s wife shares his passion for basketball and has collaborated with him on various business endeavors.
In 2006, Ashley Smith, the wife of Ryan Smith, tied the knot with the owner of the Utah Jazz. Read on to know everything about his wife and their relationship.
Meet Ashley, Ryan Smith’s Wife
Ashley, Ryan Smith’s wife, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and being part of an NBA team in her home state is undoubtedly an incredible experience for her. Although she lived in Las Vegas, Nevada, for a period, Ashley eventually moved back to Utah.
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As a young adult, she aspired to enhance her musical and dancing talents, demonstrating an interest in the arts. She left Las Vegas in 2000 and began attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.
Ashley Smith, in addition to her artistic passions, developed her entrepreneurial talents while studying at university. It was there that she met her future husband, Ryan Smith, in Accounting 200. Ashley later established the Smash Dance Academy in Provo and collaborated with Ryan on his company, Qualtrics.
As of 2023, Smash Dance Academy boasts over 80 staff members and an enrollment of approximately 500 students. Ashley Smith also contributes her expertise to the board of Ballet West and supports Abby Cox’s Show Up campaign, which aims to aid the less fortunate. She is also involved with Five for the Fight, a non-profit organization that is committed to battling cancer.
The couple has five children who share their love for basketball and are avid supporters of the Utah Jazz.
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What Is Ryan Smith’s Net Worth?
According to Forbes, Ryan Smith’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 billion, which he primarily amassed through his company Qualtrics, an experience management software company based in Utah. In 2020, he acquired a controlling stake in the Utah Jazz, as well as the Vivint Arena, the Salt Lake City Stars G-League team, and the Salt Lake Bees minor league baseball team.