SALT LAKE CITY — Smith Entertainment Group announced a multi-year partnership with HealthEquity, the nation’s largest Health Savings Account (HSA) administrator, making them an official partner of the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth and the associate sponsor of the newly introduced Utah Jazz Bantam Basketball league. As part of the partnership, HealthEquity will fund full-tuition scholarships covering player and league fees for up to 50 youth participants across Utah.
“Jazz Bantam Basketball was designed to give young athletes access to a higher level of competition and development here in Utah,” said Chris Barney, president of revenue and commercial strategy at Smith Entertainment Group. “Partnering with HealthEquity allows us to expand the program’s reach even faster, and provide young players with the opportunity to compete and elevate their game. Together, we hope to grow one of the league’s most competitive youth basketball programs from day one.”
Launched in June 2025, Utah Jazz Bantam Basketball introduced a new level of competitive basketball for boys and girls in grades 3-8 seeking a more advanced, structured, and developmental experience. Beginning on Nov. 1, nearly 300 Jazz Bantam teams with more than 2,200 players combined will take the court for the first time to compete in the first week of league play at different locations across the state including, Western Sports Park in Farmington, Copper Hills High School, Brighton High School, Mountain View High School, Pleasant Grove High School, and the Norton Training Center in Provo.
“As the nation’s leader in HSAs, we’re proud to align with teams that bring communities together, and as a Utah-headquartered company, we’re especially honored to partner with our home teams, the Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth,” said Michael Fiore, HealthEquity Chief Commercial Officer. “At HealthEquity, we help people better save, spend, and invest for health – and that includes creating access and opportunity for families who want to invest in their children’s futures. Youth sports have become increasingly expensive, yet research shows that participation in team sports provides lasting benefits: participants are eight times more likely to remain physically active as adults and tend to live longer, healthier lives. Through this partnership, we’re removing cost barriers so more Utah kids can get on the court and grow. That’s what access and opportunity looks like in action.”
As part of the partnership, HealthEquity branding will also be prominently featured during Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth games at Delta Center beginning with the 2025-26 season.
More information about Utah Jazz Bantam Basketball can be found here.
About Smith Entertainment Group
Smith Entertainment Group (SEG) is a sports, entertainment, real estate, and technology investment group focused primarily on the state of Utah. SEG’s portfolio includes the Utah Jazz (NBA), Utah Mammoth (NHL), Delta Center, SEG Media, The Shops at South Town, Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League), and other Utah-centric business ventures.
About the Utah Jazz
Founded as the 18th member of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1974, and located in Salt Lake City since 1979, the Utah Jazz are committed to excellence as a team and in the community. On the court, the Jazz are the second-winningest team in the NBA over the last 30 years, having won nine division titles and two Western Conference championships along with 17 seasons of 50-plus wins, and are supported by one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports. The Utah Jazz also operate the Junior Jazz program, the largest and longest-running youth basketball league in the NBA, featuring more than 70,000 players and an additional 13,000 volunteers who take part annually across six states. For more information on the Utah Jazz, an entity of Smith Entertainment Group, visit www.utahjazz.com.
About the Utah Mammoth
Established in 2024, the Utah Mammoth are the newest franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL). Known as Utah Hockey Club for its inaugural season, the arrival of the Utah Mammoth ignited a new era for the state’s vibrant sports and entertainment landscape. The team competes in the NHL’s Western Conference and plays at Delta Center, a world-class venue located in downtown Salt Lake City. For more information on the Utah Mammoth, an entity of Smith Entertainment Group, visit www.UtahMammoth.com.
About HealthEquity
HealthEquity and its subsidiaries administer HSAs and other consumer-directed benefits for more than 17 million accounts in partnership with employers, benefits advisors, and health and retirement plan providers who share our mission to save and improve lives by empowering healthcare consumers. For more information, visit www.healthequity.com.