The Larry H. Miller family and Miller Sports + Entertainment on Friday finalized their acquisition of the controlling interest in RSL Football Holdings, a group that includes MLS’ Real Salt Lake and NWSL club Utah Royals FC.
The $600 million purchase, according to The Athletic, also includes MLS NEXT Pro team Real Monarchs and the RSL Academy as well as the real estate assets of America First Field, Zions Bank Stadium and Zions Bank Training Center.
The Miller family previously owned the NBA’s Utah Jazz from 1986-2020.
Billionaire businessman David Blitzer will remain the second-largest shareholder, while Ryan Smith no longer has an ownership stake in the group.
“The future of Real Salt Lake is in great hands with the Miller organization and David Blitzer,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said.
“The Millers have a long-standing commitment to community, youth sports, and sound business operations, and we have a proven history with David, one of the most accomplished sports owners in the world. Together, this group is perfectly positioned to strengthen the club and grow soccer in Utah and the region.”
Blitzer was quick to embrace the Miller family.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome the Miller family into the club,” Blitzer said. “We are aligned in our values and commitment to building a great culture and championship-level teams.
“Our sports teams are best when we have a strong, local partner, and Miller Sports + Entertainment will truly enable Real Salt Lake Holdings to accomplish our visionary goals. I’ve loved my experience in Utah, and this is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our strong fanbase and loyal soccer supporters.”
Steve Miller, who is the chairman of the Larry H. Miller Company board of directors, will serve as chairman and governor for Real Salt Lake. Blitzer will serve as alternate governor.
“We are honored to join the Real Salt Lake Club and invest in the highest levels of men’s and women’s soccer in both RSL and the Royals,” said Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company.
“We are grateful for David Blitzer’s trust, and I am confident our combined experience in sports leadership will elevate soccer within Utah and support the Club’s goal of winning championships. We are proud to join the ‘RioT’ and an incredibly passionate fanbase.”
Per Sportico’s MLS valuations, Real Salt Lake is worth $525 million — a number that includes the NWSL team. The Royals are worth $70 million on their own, according to Sportico’s NWSL valuations from September.
–Field Level Media
