SportsSoccer

Miller Family Acquires Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals for $600 Million

about 1 year agoUS
Miller Family Acquires Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals for $600 MillionSource: espn.com
The Miller family, known for their previous ownership of the Utah Jazz, have re-entered the sports scene by acquiring Real Salt Lake (RSL) of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Utah Royals FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for a reported $600 million. This acquisition marks a significant shift in ownership and a renewed commitment to the growth of soccer in Utah.

Key Insights

The Miller family, who previously owned the Utah Jazz, have purchased Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals for $600 million.

David Blitzer, a previous co-owner, will remain a minority investor, while Smith Entertainment Group exits the soccer sphere.

The acquisition includes America First Field, Zions Bank Training Center, and other related assets.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber and NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman both attended the announcement, highlighting the importance of this ownership transition.

The sale price indicates a substantial increase in the valuation of NWSL teams.

In-Depth Analysis

The Miller family’s acquisition of Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals represents a significant investment in the future of soccer in Utah. Having sold the Utah Jazz in 2020, the Millers are returning to the sports ownership landscape, signaling their continued dedication to the state and its athletic community. The $600 million deal underscores the increasing value of both MLS and NWSL franchises, particularly the Utah Royals, whose initial expansion fee was a mere $2 million.

This transition also reflects the growing popularity of soccer in the United States, bolstered by upcoming events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup (co-hosted by the U.S.) and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. These events are expected to further elevate the sport’s profile and attract new fans, making the Millers’ investment a strategic move for long-term growth and community engagement. The Millers have committed to keeping the teams in Sandy and developing the stadium and surrounding areas to enhance the gameday experience.

The previous ownership, a Smith-Blitzer group, purchased RSL for approximately $400 million in January 2022 and brought the Royals back to Utah last year as an expansion team for a reported $2 million fee to the NWSL. Though brief, the Smith-Blitzer ownership era included the two largest player purchases in RSL history in Andres Gomez and Chicho Arango, and the largest sale when Gomez was flipped to French club Rennes in August 2024.

FAQs

Q: Why did the Miller family decide to purchase Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals?

The Miller family has a long history of sports ownership in Utah and is committed to investing in the community and the growth of soccer in the state.

Q: How much did the Miller family pay for the teams?

The acquisition cost was reportedly $600 million.

Q: Will the teams remain in Sandy, Utah?

Yes, the Millers have committed to keeping the teams in Sandy and enhancing the stadium and surrounding areas.

Key Takeaways

The Miller family’s acquisition signifies a strong commitment to soccer in Utah.

The increasing valuation of the teams reflects the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S.

The upcoming World Cup and Olympics in the U.S. are expected to further boost the sport’s profile.

Fans can expect continued investment in the teams and the stadium experience.

Discussion

What impact do you think the Miller family’s ownership will have on the future of Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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