Introduction
Ryan Smith is a famous American technology businessman and sports owner. He started the popular software company Qualtrics. He also owns famous sports teams in Utah.
Many people want to know how Ryan Smith made his money. He built his wealth by creating software that helps big businesses. He then used his money to buy major sports franchises. Today, he is one of the richest people in Utah.
Quick Answer
As of 2026, Ryan Smith has an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. He made most of his money as the co-founder of Qualtrics. The company sold to SAP for $8 billion in 2019. Later, Silver Lake and CPP Investments took Qualtrics private for $12.5 billion.
Ryan Smith also owns Smith Entertainment Group. Through this company, he owns the Utah Jazz (NBA) and the Utah Mammoth (NHL).
Quick Facts Table
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ryan Smith |
| Estimated Net Worth (2026) | $3.5 Billion |
| Main Wealth Source | Qualtrics, Software & Technology, Sports Ownership |
| Date of Birth | June 28, 1978 |
| Age | 48 years old |
| Birthplace | Eugene, Oregon |
| Education | Brigham Young University (Marriott School of Business) |
| Marital Status | Married (Ashley Smith) |
| Children | 5 children |
| Key Companies | Qualtrics, Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) |
| Sports Teams Owned | Utah Jazz (NBA), Utah Mammoth (NHL), Real Salt Lake (MLS) |
Early Life and Education
Ryan Smith was born on June 28, 1978, in Eugene, Oregon. He grew up in a smart and hardworking family. His father, Scott Smith, was a marketing professor. His mother, Nancy Smith, worked with computer information systems.
Ryan moved to Utah for his college education. He attended Brigham Young University (BYU). He studied at the Marriott School of Business.
While in college, Ryan helped start a new business. He worked with his father and brother in a basement. He paused his studies to grow the company. Later, he finished his bachelor’s degree at BYU in 2016.
Career and Qualtrics Growth
In 2002, Ryan Smith co-founded Qualtrics in Provo, Utah. He worked alongside his father Scott, his brother Jared, and Stuart Orgill. They started the company in a home basement.
Qualtrics made online survey software. It helped businesses collect feedback from customers and employees. The team bootstrapped the business for ten years. This means they used their own earnings to grow without outside investment.
The company grew quickly because schools and corporations loved the software. It became a leader in experience management software. The headquarters remained in Utah, helping build the local tech area called Silicon Slopes.
The Big Sales and IPO
Qualtrics planned to go public in late 2018. Just days before the stock listing, a giant software company stepped in. German tech company SAP bought Qualtrics for $8 billion in cash in 2019.
This $8 billion deal made Ryan Smith and his family billionaires. Ryan stayed on as the executive chairman.
In 2021, SAP took Qualtrics public through an IPO. The stock listing valued Qualtrics at over $15 billion. In 2023, private equity firm Silver Lake and CPP Investments bought Qualtrics for $12.5 billion.
Ryan Smith Net Worth (2026)
Ryan Smith has a net worth of $3.5 billion in 2026. He ranks among the wealthiest people in the software and sports industries.
Estimated Net Worth Breakdown (2026):
- Qualtrics Equity & Cash Out: $2.1 Billion
- Sports Ownership (Jazz, Mammoth, SEG): $1.1 Billion
- Real Estate & Private Investments: $300 Million
His net worth grew fast over the last decade. He transformed money from enterprise software into permanent sports and real estate assets.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Driver |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $300 Million | Bootstrapped Qualtrics valuation |
| 2019 | $1.4 Billion | SAP $8 Billion Cash Acquisition |
| 2021 | $1.6 Billion | Qualtrics Public IPO |
| 2024 | $2.2 Billion | Expansion into NHL ownership |
| 2026 | $3.5 Billion | Sports real estate and asset growth |
Income Sources and Business Ventures
Ryan Smith has several sources of income and wealth:
- Qualtrics Stock and Buyouts: Selling shares during the SAP deal and Silver Lake buyout created massive cash earnings.
- Smith Entertainment Group (SEG): Ryan co-founded SEG with his wife, Ashley Smith. SEG holds valuable sports and media properties.
- Venture Capital Investments: He invests in tech startups in Utah and across the United States.
- Real Estate Projects: He owns rights and assets around the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Sports Ownership and SEG
Ryan Smith is a leader in modern sports ownership. He uses tech principles to run sports franchises.
Utah Jazz (NBA)
In late 2020, Ryan and Ashley Smith bought a majority stake in the Utah Jazz. They bought the team from the Miller family for $1.66 billion. The purchase included the Delta Center arena in Salt Lake City.
Utah Mammoth (NHL)
In April 2024, Ryan Smith brought National Hockey League action to Utah. SEG bought the hockey assets of the former Arizona Coyotes. The team played its first season as the Utah Hockey Club. In 2025, the team officially became the Utah Mammoth.
Real Salt Lake & Utah Royals (Soccer)
Ryan Smith also joined David Blitzer to buy Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer (MLS). They also brought back the Utah Royals in the NWSL.
Major Achievements and Awards
- Built a Unicorn Company: Co-founded Qualtrics and grew it from a basement startup into an enterprise giant.
- Fortune 40 Under 40: Recognized as one of the top young business leaders in the world.
- Brought the NHL to Utah: Successfully launched the Utah Mammoth hockey franchise in Salt Lake City.
- Silicon Slopes Pioneer: Helped establish Utah as a major hub for technology companies.
Personal Life and Family
Ryan Smith lives in Utah with his wife, Ashley Smith. The couple has five children. They are active members of the local community.
Ryan served a mission for the LDS Church in Mexico when he was young. He speaks fluent Spanish.
Ryan loves playing golf in his free time. He has played in pro-am tournaments alongside PGA stars like Tony Finau.
Philanthropy and 5 For The Fight
Ryan Smith uses his wealth to help others. In 2016, he co-founded 5 For The Fight. This campaign asks people to donate $5 to fund global cancer research.
Qualtrics sponsored the Utah Jazz jersey patch. Instead of placing the company logo on the jersey, Ryan donated the space to 5 For The Fight. It was the first philanthropic patch in North American pro sports history. The foundation has raised tens of millions of dollars for cancer researchers.
Ryan Smith Timeline
Born in Oregon
Ryan Smith is born in Eugene, Oregon.
Co-Founds Qualtrics
Launches Qualtrics with his family in a Provo basement.
Co-Founds 5 For The Fight
Creates the global cancer research campaign.
SAP Acquisition
SAP buys Qualtrics for $8 billion in cash.
Buys Utah Jazz
Purchases the Utah Jazz NBA franchise for $1.66 billion.
Brings NHL to Utah
Acquires an NHL team, which becomes the Utah Mammoth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ryan Smith’s net worth in 2026?
Ryan Smith’s net worth is estimated at $3.5 billion in 2026.
How did Ryan Smith make his money?
He made his fortune as the co-founder of software company Qualtrics. The company was bought by SAP for $8 billion and later taken private for $12.5 billion.
What sports teams does Ryan Smith own?
Ryan Smith owns the Utah Jazz (NBA) and the Utah Mammoth (NHL). He also holds ownership stakes in Real Salt Lake (MLS) and the Utah Royals (NWSL).
Who is Ryan Smith’s wife?
Ryan Smith is married to Ashley Smith. She is a co-founder of Smith Entertainment Group.
Did Ryan Smith graduate from BYU?
Yes. He attended Brigham Young University and completed his degree in management in 2016.
Conclusion
Ryan Smith is a standout leader in modern technology and sports business. He turned a family basement startup into an $8 billion software company. He then reinvested his fortune into major sports teams in Utah. With a net worth of $3.5 billion in 2026, Ryan Smith continues to build sports, real estate, and tech projects across the state.
