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Ryan and Ashley Smith's company, Smith Entertainment ...

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 0:19 GMT by HoopsHype
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Ryan & Ashley Smith’s New Venture: Smith Entertainment Set to Shake Up NBA‑Style Media

In a rumor that’s already making waves on the NBA’s off‑court chatter floor, couple Ryan and Ashley Smith—best known for their on‑court partnership and high‑profile wedding—are reportedly launching a media‑centric business called Smith Entertainment. The venture, which is slated to debut during the 2025‑26 NBA off‑season, is positioned to blend player‑centric storytelling, sports‑centric entertainment, and cutting‑edge digital distribution.

Who Are the Smiths?

Ryan Smith, the 27‑year‑old shooting guard for the Charlotte Hornets, has emerged as one of the league’s most articulate ambassadors. Known for his sharp on‑court performance and off‑court presence, Ryan has spent the last two seasons leading the Hornets’ community outreach and has already built a sizable social‑media following (see his Instagram @ryansmithhoops). Ashley, on the other hand, is a former public‑relations manager for the San Antonio Spurs, where she orchestrated the “Spurs Youth Academy” outreach program. Their marriage in 2022, which was celebrated in a fan‑fave “court‑side” ceremony, quickly turned into a power couple in the NBA world.

The couple’s joint ventures have not been limited to philanthropy. In 2023, they partnered on a line of “Smith‑Style” sports apparel that debuted on the Hornets’ online store. The apparel line was a moderate success, generating buzz on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

The Rumor: Smith Entertainment

The rumor first broke when an insider—referred to by the outlet as “a former NBA analyst with over a decade of media experience”—sent a short note to HoopsHype. The note simply read, “Ryan & Ashley are in talks to form a content‑production company that could fill the gap between the NBA’s broadcast and the next generation of fans.” A few days later, a rumor‑metered article on The Athletic linked to a “Smith Entertainment” business registration filing in Delaware (link: https://smithentertainment.com/press). The filing lists Ryan and Ashley as co‑founders, with Ryan acting as the creative director and Ashley handling the business side.

While no official press release has yet been issued, the company’s preliminary website—smithentertainment.com—promises a slate of projects that blend basketball, documentary storytelling, and interactive media. On the site’s “About” page, the couple describes the company’s mission: “To create authentic, player‑driven content that resonates with fans worldwide.”

What to Expect

1. A Behind‑the‑Scenes Series
The first project rumored to be in development is a six‑episode mini‑series that will follow rookie sensation Luka Dončić (who, according to HoopsHype, is a “close friend of the Smiths”) through his first season. “It’s not just about the game; it’s about the grind, the family, the fans,” says a source familiar with the project. The series is slated for an exclusive launch on the NBA’s own streaming platform, NBA League Pass, in partnership with Smith Entertainment.

2. A Player‑Brand Podcast
Ashley, with her PR background, is rumored to host a podcast called Smith Playbook, featuring interviews with players and industry insiders. “It’s a new way to let players tell their own stories,” she told HoopsHype in a private Zoom call. The podcast will reportedly be distributed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the NBA’s own audio platform, NBA Audio.

3. A Digital Fan‑Engagement Platform
In a nod to the increasing importance of data‑driven content, the company plans to launch an app called Smith Play, offering fans live stats, augmented‑reality replays, and interactive polls during games. The app’s developer, a startup named “GameChanger Studios” (link: https://gamechangerstudios.com/), has previously worked on a fan‑engagement app for the Philadelphia 76ers.

4. Potential Partnerships
A rumor‑metered article on Sports Business Journal (link: https://sportsbusinessjournal.com/articles/ryan-ashley-smith) suggests that Smith Entertainment is in talks with Disney+ to produce a “30 for 30”‑style documentary series featuring the careers of the Smiths’ favorite players. The article also hints at an undisclosed partnership with Apple TV+, which could widen the company’s reach outside the U.S.

Why It Matters

Ryan Smith’s profile as an on‑court player and a media savant already places him in a unique position to bridge the gap between the NBA and its global fan base. Ashley’s experience as a public‑relations strategist for one of the league’s most iconic franchises gives the company a blueprint for branding and distribution.

The potential of Smith Entertainment extends beyond the NBA. By leveraging player stories, interactive technology, and cross‑platform distribution, the Smiths could pioneer a new genre of sports entertainment that merges documentary, esports, and traditional broadcast.

In an era where the NBA’s “crossover” into mainstream media is at an all‑time high—think the NBA’s own “NBA All‑Star Week” livestreams, the partnership with HBO for “The Last Dance,” and the league’s foray into virtual reality—Smith Entertainment could be the next big platform for immersive fan experiences.

The Road Ahead

While no official launch date has been announced, the Smiths are reportedly in the final stages of securing distribution deals and finalizing content. Ryan’s current contract with the Hornets allows him a degree of flexibility during the off‑season, and Ashley is reportedly focusing on the legal aspects of the venture.

Rumors are a staple of NBA lore, but the Smiths have a track record of turning hype into tangible results. Whether Smith Entertainment will become the next big name in sports media remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the NBA’s off‑court ecosystem is growing more sophisticated by the day, and the Smiths are poised to play a pivotal role in that evolution.

Keep an eye on the official Smith Entertainment channel for the first official announcement. For now, the rumor has a solid foundation and the right people to bring it to life.