The Larry H. Miller Company’s acquisition of Real Salt Lake (RSL) and Utah Royals FC marks a significant investment in Utah’s sports landscape. With a reported price tag of $600 million, this move underscores the Miller family’s commitment to the community and their belief in the future of soccer in America. This strategic acquisition also includes the Utah Monarchs, America First Field, and the Zions Bank Training Center and Stadium in Herriman, solidifying their control over key soccer assets in the region. As the U.S. prepares to host major international soccer events, including the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics, this investment positions the Miller Company to capitalize on the sport’s growing popularity.
Governor Spencer Cox lauded the Miller family’s dedication to Utah, emphasizing their investment goes beyond mere business. MLS Commissioner Don Garber noted the unique soccer culture in Utah, fueled by a globally connected community. This article explores the details of the acquisition, the implications for soccer in Utah, and the broader context of soccer’s rise in the United States, especially with upcoming international events.
The Acquisition Details: A $600 Million Investment
The Larry H. Miller Company’s purchase of Real Salt Lake represents a substantial financial commitment. According to reports, the acquisition totaled $600 million, encompassing not only the RSL team but also the Utah Royals FC, the Utah Monarchs, America First Field, and the Zions Bank Training Center and Stadium. Gail Miller, along with her sons Greg, Steve, and Brilliant, were present at America First Field, witnessing the team’s practice firsthand shortly after the deal was finalized.
Governor Spencer Cox highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “They don’t need to do this, yet they’re doing it. And they’re doing it because they care about this place, they care about us, they care about Utah, they care about investing in the community.” This sentiment underscores the Miller family’s long-standing ties to Utah and their commitment to its economic and cultural vitality.
While the Miller Company now holds a controlling interest, David Blitzer, who owns stakes in the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and several European soccer clubs, will remain a minority owner. This ensures continuity and leverages Blitzer’s extensive experience in professional sports management.
Utah’s Soccer History: From Rice-Eccles to America First Field
Professional soccer’s roots in Utah trace back to 2005 when Real Salt Lake played its first home game at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Dave Checketts, a Utah native with experience in the NBA, was instrumental in bringing MLS to the state. MLS Commissioner Don Garber admitted initial skepticism about soccer’s potential in Utah, stating, “One of things we didn’t quite understand is this community has a lot of people who spend a lot of time overseas and they’re connected to the game in ways that perhaps at that time 20 years ago maybe not so many other communities were.”
Checketts’ vision proved successful, with RSL building a dedicated fan base and eventually moving to America First Field in Sandy in 2008. The unique cultural landscape of Utah, influenced by a large number of residents with international experience, particularly missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contributed to the sport’s growth.
Despite changes in ownership over the years, RSL has maintained a strong connection with its fans, fostering a vibrant soccer community in Utah. The Miller Company’s acquisition represents a new chapter in this ongoing story, promising further investment and growth.
MLS and NWSL: Building a Powerful Soccer Nation
MLS Commissioner Don Garber and NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman jointly announced the Miller Company’s acquisition, highlighting a unified vision for soccer’s future in the United States. Berman emphasized the “iconic moment in history,” recognizing the leagues’ shared commitment to growing soccer at the professional level.
Garber stated that MLS and its clubs have a vital role in “making this a powerful soccer nation.” This strategic alignment between the men’s and women’s leagues is aimed at maximizing the sport’s impact and reach, both domestically and internationally.
The Miller Company’s investment aligns with this vision, signaling a belief in the long-term potential of both MLS and NWSL. Their commitment to both Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC demonstrates an understanding of the importance of gender equity in sports and the need to support both men’s and women’s leagues.
The World Stage: World Cup and Olympics Coming to the U.S.
The acquisition comes at a pivotal time for soccer in the United States, with the nation set to co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031, and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The U.S. will also host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Steve Starks, CEO of the Miller Company, emphasized the “enormous opportunity to welcome the world to America,” recognizing the transformative potential of these events. Don Garber cautioned against treating these events as fleeting moments, like “Taylor Swift concerts that come and go,” urging the soccer community to capitalize on the momentum and build a lasting legacy.
David Blitzer echoed this sentiment, noting that the 1994 World Cup launched soccer into the American consciousness, and the upcoming events will be “transformational.” He suggested Salt Lake City could serve as a training location for teams and potentially host games during the 2031 Women’s World Cup, further solidifying Utah’s role in the global soccer landscape.
Building a Legacy: Fan Engagement and Youth Development
Blitzer emphasized the importance of fan engagement and youth development in sustaining soccer’s growth. He stated, “To have these teams here while these events, these global events, not even national events happening, is going to create more fans, is going to create more players in the youth system … they’re going to have more players that they look up to and they become the next generation of players that kids look up to, so it’s like a cycle.”
The Miller Company’s investment has revitalized the community’s passion for soccer, presenting new opportunities for aspiring players. This comprehensive approach ensures that the sport’s growth is not just a fleeting trend but a sustainable movement. By fostering a strong connection between professional teams, youth programs, and international events, Utah can solidify its position as a soccer hub in the United States.
The Miller family aims to solidify Real Salt Lake’s legacy by driving fan engagement and growing the youth soccer presence in Utah. The goal is to expand the fan base and inspire the next generation of players, creating a self-sustaining cycle of growth and excitement around the sport.
Conclusion: A New Era for Soccer in Utah
The Larry H. Miller Company’s acquisition of Real Salt Lake and other key soccer assets marks a new era for the sport in Utah. With a substantial financial investment and a clear vision for the future, the Miller family is poised to capitalize on the growing popularity of soccer in the United States. The upcoming FIFA World Cup and Olympic events provide a unique opportunity to showcase Utah’s passion for the sport and its potential as a global soccer destination.
This acquisition underscores the Miller Company’s commitment to the community and their belief in the power of sports to unite and inspire. By investing in both men’s and women’s leagues, they are promoting gender equity and ensuring that soccer’s growth benefits everyone. The Miller Company’s entry into professional soccer heralds a pivotal moment for the sport’s trajectory in Utah and the broader United States. As international events draw near, the groundwork is set for significant expansion, solidifying soccer’s place in the national sports scene.
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