Ryan Smith pledges estate donation to BYU after his passing

Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz and Mammoth, has committed to donating a significant portion of his estate to BYU after his death. In an interview, he emphasized the importance of supporting his alma mater, noting that it is where he began his career. While he is a major donor, Smith has expressed hesitance to boost BYU's current NIL budget due to the deep alumni network already contributing. He highlighted the professionalization of college sports, contrasting it with his experiences in professional leagues. Smith's ties to BYU are deeply personal, having spent much of his upbringing on campus.

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