SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith is adding another local sports team to his portfolio with the purchase of Real Salt Lake along with David Blitzer.
Major League Soccer announced the sale to the Smith and Blitzer group was unanimously approved Wednesday. Blitzer will serve as the team's governor, with Smith's Smith Entertainment Group appointed as alternate governor.
Real Salt Lake had been without an owner since Dell Loy Hansen was forced to sell the team in 2020.
The sports business website Sportico says the group will pay nearly $400 million for the team, along with Rio Tinto Stadium, the team's Herriman training complex and the Real Monarchs of the USL.
"There is an incredible soccer community here in Utah from youth and outreach programs to the passionate RSL supporters and fans," said Smith in a statement. "We look forward to continuing to work with the region and state to do big things with professional sports.”
Let’s do this Utah! https://t.co/4tejjMtD8J
— Ryan Smith (@RyanQualtrics) January 5, 2022
Blitzer, who is a co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, has been linked to RSL for a few months.
“Real Salt Lake is a world-class club with an amazing fanbase, strong infrastructure and a longstanding commitment to the Utah community," said Blitzer in a statement. "We will work to build upon the legacy and tradition of Real Salt Lake by investing not only in the team and its facilities, but also in the communities our team serves. We have the opportunity to use Real Salt Lake’s unique platform to drive positive change on the pitch, in the local community and across Utah. We are excited and honored to be a part of what the future holds.”
