Former Utah Jazz Owners Buy Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals for $600 Million

Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals FC have been sold to the Larry H. Miller family for $600 million, marking a major shift in Utah’s professional sports landscape. The purchase includes not only the MLS and NWSL clubs, but also Real Monarchs, the teams’ youth academy, and sports facilities such as America First Field and Zions Bank Stadium.

David Blitzer, who along with Ryan Smith purchased the clubs in 2022 for a reported $400 million, will remain a minority stakeholder. Smith has sold his entire share. This new chapter brings the Millers — former owners of the Utah Jazz — back into the spotlight of professional sports.

“This is an opportunity to build on a legacy and deepen our ties with the community,” said Steve Starks, CEO of the Larry H. Miller Company. MLS commissioner Don Garber welcomed the deal, praising the Millers' strong business values and deep-rooted ties to Utah sports.

The move also signals a major leap in valuation for the Utah Royals. The NWSL expansion fee in 2022 was just $2 million. Now, as part of this $600 million acquisition, the club’s worth has surged, reflecting the rising interest in women's soccer. Recent valuations for San Diego and Denver teams reached $120 million and $110 million respectively, and neither included stadium infrastructure.

Steve Miller will serve as chairman and governor of both clubs. The Millers now shift their legacy from basketball to soccer, aiming to build championship-caliber teams that represent Utah at the highest levels. Their return to sports comes with ambition, resources, and a renewed vision for soccer in the state.