The two division 1 franchises in Utah in both men's and women's soccer are reportedly in talks of being sold after just three years of ownership
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David Blitzer in talks to sell RSL, Utah Royals franchisesEx-Utah Jazz owners reportedly buyersBlitzer bought RSL in 2022, revived Royals in 2023Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals owner David Blizter is reportedly in talks to sell his controlling stakes in the city's two Division 1 soccer teams in the NWSL and MLS.
Blitzer is nearing a deal where he would give up control to the Miller family – former owners of the NBA's Utah Jazz.
Blitzer bought RSL in 2022, and revived the Royals in 2023 .
Sportico was the first to report the initial talks.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The report added that Blitzer is expected to remain an investor, while RSL is valued at $525 million per Sportico's evaluations – a number that includes the $70 million-valued Royals.
When Blitzer purchased RSL from former owner Dell Loy Hansen, it was an MLS-brokered deal that valued the Western Conference franchise at $400M, with minority partners including current Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Arctos Partners; a private equity firm. The purchase included local USL franchise Real Monarchs, Rio Tinto Stadium (now named America First Field), and a training complex. The deal also included a clause to add an NWSL franchise at a reduced fee.
When the Royals were originally relocated to Kansas City in early 2021, the NWSL gave them the option to revive the team at a later date at a valuation of a reported $500,000 – though, through revisions, it was moved up to $2 million during Blitzer's transaction of the club.
The Miller family owned the Jazz from 1986-2020.
DID YOU KNOW?
Blitzer was the first person to invest in all five major U.S. leagues. He is a co-owner of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, NHL's New Jersey Devils, the NFL's Washington Commanders, and the MLB's Cleveland Guardians.
He also has a stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace, and investments in more than six other European clubs through Bolt Ventures, a family office focused on sports.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT?
Real Salt Lake take on Minnesota United Saturday evening on Matchday 6 of the season as they look to bounce-back from a Matchday 5 defeat to FC Dallas.
The Royals, meanwhile, take on the KC Current Saturday evening in NWSL action.
