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SANDY -- Real Salt Lake has a new owner.
On Wednesday, Utah entrepreneur and real estate developer Dell Loy Hansen purchased a co-ownership stake in the Major League Soccer team.
With the purchase, Hansen also gains a stake in Rio Tinto Stadium and KALL700 Sports Talk Radio.
The transaction, of which the terms were not disclosed, is subject to approval of the Major League Soccer Board of Governors.
Hansen, who will serve as Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor for Real Salt Lake, will work closely with Real Salt Lake Chairman Dave Checketts and his management team at SCP Worldwide regarding the direction and strategy of each business unit as well as the potential real estate development around Rio Tinto Stadium.
"We are delighted to have Dell Loy and his family joining ours," said Checketts, who founded Real Salt Lake as Major League Soccer's 12th team in July, 2004. "Many other MLS franchises have been fortunate to have added significant partners to their ownership groups in recent years, but what makes this standout from the others are Dell Loy's strong local roots and knowledge of the marketplace. For someone with his stature to make a bold statement of support like this speaks volumes to the inroads we have made in this community. His partnership helps fortify the enterprise and sets us up for long-term success and growth. I look forward to working closely with Dell Loy and look forward to growing these businesses and deepening their reach into the community together."
Hansen, President of Wasatch Property Management, Inc., is a lifelong Utah resident with deep roots in Cache Valley. He built the Sports Academy in North Logan fourteen years ago.
Under former Utah Governor Michael Leavitt, Hansen served nine years on the State's Board of the Department of Business and Economic Development, two of those years as Chairman.
"I was proud to serve Governor Leavitt in growing our economy," said Hansen. "Today, the chance to participate in professional soccer with my family is good for my children and our investment allows a more competitive team to play for Utah."
Real Salt Lake plays in the MLS Cup Sunday against the L.A. Galaxy.
