Ryan Smith Says BYU Will Get Windfall When He Dies

Jazz and Mammoth owner Ryan Smith, a major donor to his alma mater, BYU, revealed that the school will receive a significant portion of his estate upon his death. In an interview with Front Office Sports, Smith stated, "When I’m no longer here, they’re going to get a big chunk of whatever I’ve got." He emphasized that this is the right thing to do, as that's where it all began for him.

Smith has made a name for himself in Utah's sports industry, acquiring the Jazz in 2020, securing rights to an upcoming NHL team in Salt Lake City that became the Mammoth in 2024, and expressing interest in an expansion MLB franchise in Utah. However, he also cautioned against directly funding BYU's current NIL budget, citing the university's extensive network of alumni.

Smith, who grew up on BYU's campus and met his wife as an undergraduate, highlighted that the school's alumni roster is substantial, making it unnecessary for him to contribute further.