David Blitzer and Smith Entertainment group acquire Real Salt Lake

MLS announced today that David Blitzer and Smith Entertainment Group have acquired Real Salt Lake, in a move that had already been planned since November 2021. 

The announcement was made today by Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber, who also revealed that in the purchase, the group also acquired other assets related to the team. 

Among them are Rio Tinto Stadium, Zions Bank Training Center, and of course, the RSL Academy in Herriman, Utah.

Dell Loy Hansen, the current owner of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team, was unable to find a buyer for his franchise, so the U.S. league took over the sale process to find a buyer. 

With this move, the group of Ryan Smith and David Blitzer further expands its portfolio of sports-related businesses, making it one of the most influential businessmen in the industry. 

Anonymous sources revealed to the media important information about this purchase, such as the fact that Blitzer will become the decision-maker at the club. 

As part of this move, Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith and Arctos Sports Partners, a private fund with investments in several leagues, will also be vital in the team's decision-making. 

According to Sportico data, the club's value is $420 million, which ranks 22nd among MLS team franchises. 

So far the most valuable team in the league is Los Angeles Football Club, which is worth $860 million. 

What other sports franchises do David Blitzer and his group own?

If anyone knows how to do business with sports, it's David Blitzer, Ryan Smith, and their partnership. 

His portfolio of sports teams includes the Bundesliga's Crystal Palace and Augsburg, the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, and the NHL's New Jersey Devils, while Ryan Smith and his group own the NBA's Utah Jazz.

Interestingly, a few days ago, Ricardo Pepi's transfer to Augsburg was finalized in one of the most epic departures ever in Major League Soccer.

Don Garber's statement on the purchase reflects the enthusiasm of himself and the other members of the league's board of governors.

"The combination of David Blitzer and Ryan Smith's SEG form a dream partnership for Real Salt Lake," he said in a press release. 

Excited, the commissioner continued:

"David and Ryan's teams have become synonymous with how athletics and community intersect as they have proven to lead world-class organizations outside of professional soccer."

"Both understand the tremendous value that sports teams bring to a community, and are deeply committed to Utah. This is a proven ownership group that brings resources and expertise to elevate every aspect of the RSL organization," Garber finished. 

In doing so, Blitzer and SEG will become the third ownership group in the club's history, acquiring the equipment and related properties from Dell Loy Hansen (2013-21), after the club was founded by its first owner, Dave Checketts (2004-13).