David Blitzer seeks to sell Real Salt Lake to local Miller family amid economic concerns
- David Blitzer is negotiating to sell a controlling interest in Real Salt Lake to the Miller family.
- This marks the second ownership change for the club since 2020, under notably different circumstances.
- Economic uncertainty and rising valuations in women's soccer may have driven Blitzer's decision to sell now.
In March 2025, significant discussions took place regarding the potential sale of Real Salt Lake, a Major League Soccer club, and the Utah Royals, a National Women's Soccer League team, located in the United States. Co-owner David Blitzer is reportedly in advanced negotiations to sell a controlling interest to the Miller family, previous owners of the NBA's Utah Jazz. This sale could mark the second change in ownership for RSL since 2020, a stark contrast from the last transaction that occurred under distress. Previously, the club was sold by Dell Loy Hansen who was ousted after allegations of racist comments surfaced, prompting the league to intervene in the sale process. This time, however, Blitzer's efforts appear to be proactive, indicating potential strategic reasons for the sale rather than a reactive measure to problematic circumstances. Current economic conditions have shown record uncertainty, leading Blitzer to possibly view this as an opportune moment to transfer ownership. Analysts suggest that during periods of economic instability, asset values may fluctuate, prompting owners to sell when they still have confidence in a favorable outcome for their investments. Another significant factor influencing Blitzer's decision relates to the valuation of both Real Salt Lake and associated teams. The average valuation of National Women’s Soccer League teams has increased by 57% from 2023 to 2024, presenting a unique opportunity for Blitzer to capitalize on the market. This notable growth has raised questions about the sustainability of these inflated values, especially as the sporting landscape subsequently evolves post-2026 World Cup and following Lionel Messi's impact on the league. If there is doubt surrounding the ongoing competitiveness of MLS, Blitzer may be inclined to divest at what he considers the peak of value. For fans of Real Salt Lake, the change in ownership, especially moving to a local entity, could suggest renewed commitment to the team's success and stability. Nonetheless, the broader implications of economic trends and valuation changes remain potent considerations that could define the future trajectory of the club as it transitions from Blitzer's stewardship to that of the Miller family.