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Does Ryan Smith Own the Salt Lake Bees?

Published in Sports Ownership 2 mins read

No, Ryan Smith does not currently own the Salt Lake Bees.

Current Ownership of the Salt Lake Bees

As of January 2023, the Salt Lake Bees, a Minor League Baseball team, are owned by Elmore Sports Group. This change in ownership concluded a nearly two-decade period where the team was under the stewardship of the Larry H. Miller Company. The Elmore Sports Group, known for its extensive portfolio of minor league baseball teams, officially took over operations, ensuring the team's continued presence in Salt Lake City.

Historical Context and Ryan Smith's Sports Portfolio

While Ryan Smith, through his entity Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), is the current governor of the Utah Jazz and has significantly expanded his sports and entertainment holdings in Utah, the Salt Lake Bees are no longer part of that direct portfolio.

It's important to note that Ryan Smith's acquisition of the Utah Jazz in 2020 was a monumental shift in the Utah sports landscape. At that time, his broader involvement in the Utah sports scene also saw close ties with various entities, reflecting a comprehensive strategy to bolster professional sports in the state. Historically, as part of the ownership purchase of the Jazz, the Salt Lake City Bees were indeed associated with the broader sports and entertainment operations, demonstrating a period where Smith acquired an extensive reach across Utah's professional teams. However, this structure evolved, leading to the divestment of the Bees.

The sale of the Salt Lake Bees by the Larry H. Miller Company to the Elmore Sports Group marked a strategic shift, allowing both entities to focus on their respective core interests. This means that while Smith Entertainment Group continues to manage the Utah Jazz and other prominent sports properties, the Salt Lake Bees operate under separate ownership.