Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals owner David Blitzer reportedly in talks to sell MLS and NWSL franchises to former Utah Jazz ownership group

Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals owner David Blizter is reportedly in talks to sell his controlling stakes in the city's two Division 1 soccer teams in the NWSL and MLS.
Blitzer is nearing a deal where he would give up control to the Miller family - former owners of the NBA's Utah Jazz.

Blitzer bought RSL in 2022, and revived the Royals in 2023 .

Sportico was the first to report the initial talks.

The report added that Blitzer is expected to remain an investor, while RSL is valued at $525 million per Sportico's evaluations - a number that includes the $70 million-valued Royals.

When Blitzer purchased RSL from former owner Dell Loy Hansen, it was an MLS-brokered deal that valued the Western Conference franchise at $400M, with minority partners including current Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Arctos Partners; a private equity firm. The purchase included local USL franchise Real Monarchs, Rio Tinto Stadium (now named America First Field), and a training complex. The deal also included a clause to add an NWSL franchise at a reduced fee.

When the Royals were originally relocated to Kansas City in early 2021, the NWSL gave them the option to revive the team at a later date at a valuation of a reported $500,000 - though, through revisions, it was moved up to $2 million during Blitzer's transaction of the club.

The Miller family owned the Jazz from 1986-2020.

Blitzer was the first person to invest in all five major U.S. leagues. He is a co-owner of the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, NHL's New Jersey Devils, the NFL's Washington Commanders, and the MLB's Cleveland Guardians.

He also has a stake in Premier League side Crystal Palace, and investments in more than six other European clubs through Bolt Ventures, a family office focused on sports.

Real Salt Lake take on Minnesota United Saturday evening on Matchday 6 of the season as they look to bounce-back from a Matchday 5 defeat to FC Dallas.

The Royals, meanwhile, take on the KC Current Saturday evening in NWSL action.