Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals sold to ex-Jazz owners for $600M - ESPN

The Larry H. Miller Family, in conjunction with Miller Sports & Entertainment, has acquired a controlling interest in MLS side Real Salt Lake and the NWSL's Utah Royals from David Blitzer and Ryan Smith's Smith Entertainment Group, the organizations announced on Friday.

A source confirmed to ESPN that the sale price is around $600 million. The fee was first reported by The Athletic.

In addition to the two teams, the acquisition of a majority interest in Real Salt Lake Holdings includes MLS Next Pro side Real Monarchs, the RSL Academy, America First Field, Zions Bank Stadium and the Zions Bank Training Center.

Blitzer will remain a minority investor, while Smith sold his stake in Real Salt Lake Holdings.

The Miller family has a long history in sports ownership, having owned the NBA's Utah Jazz from 1985 to 2020. That now looks to continue with the MSE's foray into soccer.

«We are humbled again by this opportunity to become stewards of these franchises and to build on the strong foundation and legacy that has been built over these decades,» said Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company, at Friday's news conference.

«And we couldn't be happier that David Blitzer continues to be invested and a partner in the club. This partnership came together really easily because we share a commitment to building community and culture championship teams in a values-based way.»

Blitzer and Smith, in conjunction with Arctos Partners, purchased RSL and the Royals back in January of 2022 for a reported $400 million from Dell Loy Hansen, who was forced to sell after it was reported that he had made racist comments.

«I am… very excited to work with everyone and continue to build on the successes of RSL and the Utah Royals and ultimately