Salt Lake City Emerges as Sports Powerhouse

Utah's capital city becomes a hub for major professional and college teams

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Salt Lake City has quietly become a dominant force in the U.S. sports landscape, with the NBA's Jazz, NHL's Mammoth, MLS and NWSL franchises, a successful Triple-A baseball team, pro softball and volleyball teams, and the Big 12's BYU and Utah programs. The city's ambitious sports development, led by innovative young owner Ryan Smith, has positioned it to potentially land an MLB expansion team and host major events like the Winter Olympics, NBA All-Star Game, and X Games.

Why it matters

Salt Lake City's rapid rise as a sports hub challenges the traditional dominance of East Coast and Bay Area cities, showcasing the can-do attitude and readiness of Utah to become a major player in the modern sports landscape. The city's diverse sports offerings and infrastructure investments have attracted top talent and events, boosting the local economy and community pride.

The details

Salt Lake City has assembled an impressive portfolio of professional and college sports teams, including the NBA's Jazz, NHL's Mammoth, MLS and NWSL franchises, a Triple-A baseball team, pro softball and volleyball teams, and the Big 12's BYU and Utah programs. The city's sports development has been driven by innovative owner Ryan Smith, who owns the Jazz and Mammoth, as well as broad bipartisan political support and a 100-acre site ready for an MLB expansion team. While other cities have focused on stodgy East Coast markets or the Bay Area, Salt Lake City has quietly become a modern sports powerhouse.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics were recently held in Salt Lake City.
  • Salt Lake City is bidding to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.
  • MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's expansion plans may not be finalized until 2029.

The players

Ryan Smith

The innovative young owner of the NBA's Jazz and NHL's Mammoth, driving Salt Lake City's sports development.

Rob Manfred

The MLB commissioner whose expansion plans could include Salt Lake City as a future host city.

BYU

The Big 12 college sports program based in Salt Lake City, part of the city's diverse sports offerings.

Utah

The other Big 12 college sports program based in Salt Lake City, complementing the city's professional teams.

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What they’re saying

“Readiness has put Utah at an advantage. While other cities announced their entries into MLB expansion consideration with renderings and merch, Salt Lake City arrived with a 100-acre site, a coalition of prominent Utahns, broad bipartisan support, a plan for public funding and a reputable anchor investor.”

— Stephen Nesbitt, Colleague (The Athletic)

What’s next

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred's expansion plans might not be finalized until 2029, but Utah is ready today to enter the 2030s as the next-generation sports metropolis.

The takeaway

Salt Lake City's rapid rise as a diverse sports hub, driven by innovative ownership, broad political support, and strategic infrastructure investments, challenges the traditional dominance of East Coast and Bay Area cities and positions Utah's capital as a modern sports powerhouse poised for continued growth.