Miller Family Acquires Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals, Eyes Soccer and Baseball Expansion
April 18, 2025
This acquisition also includes significant real estate assets such as America First Field, Zions Bank Stadium, and Zions Bank Training Center.
Ryan Smith, who previously held a minority stake in the teams, has exited soccer ownership to concentrate on the Utah Jazz and the newly established NHL's Utah Hockey Club.
Steve Miller will serve as Chairman and Governor for both Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC, with David Blitzer as an alternate Governor, ensuring stable leadership.
Financing for the acquisition was provided by J.P. Morgan and Zions Bank, with legal advice from several firms, underscoring the financial backing for this transition.
Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company, expressed enthusiasm for investing in both men's and women's soccer, aiming to elevate the clubs' performance and community engagement.
David Blitzer will remain an invested partner in the new ownership structure, while Smith Entertainment Group will exit, emphasizing a shift towards local ownership.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber praised the new ownership group for its potential to strengthen the club and promote soccer in Utah, highlighting the Millers' commitment to community.
Miller Sports & Entertainment plans to enhance the competitiveness of both teams in their respective leagues, reflecting a broader ambition for soccer in the U.S.
In addition to soccer, the Miller Company is pursuing a major league baseball expansion franchise for Salt Lake City, which includes plans for a $3.5 billion mixed-use development.
The RSL Community Foundation, established in 2016, aims to promote health and wellness among local youth through soccer and engage fans in community initiatives.
The club is poised to build on the success of the Utah Royals FC's return in 2024, enhancing women's soccer development in the region.
As of April 18, 2025, the Miller family, former owners of the Utah Jazz, has acquired controlling interest in the professional soccer teams Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals.
Summary based on 9 sources
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Sources

The Athletic • Apr 18, 2025
Miller family buys MLS’s Real Salt Lake, NWSL’s Utah Royals in $600 million deal
AP News • Apr 18, 2025
Former Jazz owners buy Salt Lake City-area professional soccer teams | AP News
Deseret News • Apr 18, 2025
Larry H. Miller family buys Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC
The Salt Lake Tribune • Apr 18, 2025
Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals have new, familiar owners