David Blitzer and Ryan Smith Introduced As New RSL Ownership Group
Jan 6, 2022, 4:07 PM
Real Salt Lake owners David Blitzer (L) and Ryan Smith (R) with MLS commissioner Don Garber (C) (Photo by sports.ksl.com)
(Photo by sports.ksl.com)
SALT LAKE CITY – After more than a year of ownership uncertainty, Real Salt Lake introduced David Blitzer and Ryan Smith as headliners for the new ownership group Thursday afternoon.
MLS announced Blitzer and Smith have purchased the franchise on Wednesday, January 5.
A new era has arrived.@MLS, David Blitzer and the Smith Entertainment Group reached an agreement to purchase #RSL.
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 5, 2022
“Our goal from the very beginning when we brought MLS to Utah in 2005 was to create a vibrant and meaningful soccer market in this region.” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said before introducing new owners David Blitzer and Ryan Smith. “We did do that. This is a great soccer market.”
During the 2021 season, RSL was able to overcome the uncertain future of the franchise due to controversial comments made by then owner Dell Loy Hansen in August of 2020 and the impromptu resignation of former head coach Freddy Juarez mid-season.
Rather than succumb to the chaos, the club was able to rally around interim manager Pablo Mastroeni and make a surprise run to the Western Conference finals.
Now, the real work begins.
Bringing that winning mentality to MLS. pic.twitter.com/P8aJEsYiLZ
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) January 6, 2022
“We’re excited to have the RSL platform in the community to continue building on that legacy.” Smith said during the press conference, “We’re excited to invest, put a good product on the field and win.”
Time will tell about the on-field future of RSL, but fans can rest assured the franchise is in good hands.
