NWSL Returning To Utah With Expansion Royals Under Sports-Connected Ownership
Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:04PM By Barry Janoff
March 11, 2023: The National Women’s Soccer League has named the Utah Royals FC, owned by Smith Entertainment Group and Global Football Holdings, as their next expansion club, scheduled begin play in 2024 as the league’s 13th franchise.
The decision comes as the NWSL is on the eve of its 11th year, scheduled to begin March 25.
The move is a reboot for the Royals, which played three seasons in the NWSL from 2018 to 2020 before folding under previous ownership. NWSL said the name, Utah Royals FC, would remain intact.
“We are delighted to welcome Utah Royals FC and its dedicated fan base back into the league,” NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman said via the league.
“The return of the women’s game to Utah, where soccer roots run deep, is a victory for players and fans alike. As the Royals begin this new chapter under the new ownership and leadership, I am confident the club will build a player-first organization equipped with the tools to thrive on and off the pitch.”
Financial terms were not disclosed, but an article in The Wall Street Journal in January said ownership in Utah would pay between $2 million-$5 million in franchise fees.
The article also reported NWSL has expansion plans with groups in Boston and San Francisco, one of which would also join the league in 2024, with the groups each “set to pay a record $50 million in franchise fees.”
Smith Entertainment Group also owns the MLS Real Salt Lake franchise, acquired in January 2022.
In addition, Ryan Smith is majority owner for the NBA’s Utah Jazz.
Global Football Holdings is run under the auspices of David Blitzer, whose Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment Group has investments including the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and NHL New Jersey Devils.
“When we acquired Real Salt Lake last year, we said it was a matter of when, not if, the NWSL would return to Utah,” club owner Blitzer, said via Global Football Holdings.
Photo: Utah Royals“This has always been an integral part of our mission. With today’s announcement, we are thrilled to fulfill the promise we made to our incredible fan base. “We are grateful for the opportunity to use our resources and platform to take women’s soccer to the next level while inspiring future players and fans globally."
The team will again play in America First Credit Union Field, also home to Real Salt Lake.
America First Credit Union, a partner for Real Salt Lake, acquired naming rights to the venue in September 2022.
America First Credit Union will also become the Royals FC jersey front partner.
“America First Credit Union is invested in the well-being of our members, our employees, and the best interests of the communities we serve,” Tammy Gallegos, AFCU chief engagement strategic officer and evp, said “via the financial firm.
“As a founding partner of both Real Salt Lake and the first iteration of the Royals, we are proud to be tied to the passion the club and fans bring to such a broad community in Utah and the surrounding states . . . Our shared values and desire to create impactful change in the community made this an ideal opportunity for AFCU while also being a natural extension of our partnership with RSL. Welcome home Utah Royals!”
Joining the club for its new chapter are investors 42 Futbol Group, which includes Jessica Gelman, who will serve on the NWSL Board of Governors for the Utah Royals.
Gelman is regarded as one of the most influential women in sports as CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group and co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. 
Utah Royals FC will be led by president Michelle Hyncik, who has served as Real Salt Lake’s general counsel for the past three years and previously spent five years with MLS as senior legal counsel.
The initial incarnation of Royals club began play March 28, 2018, facing the Chicago Red Stars in front of a crowd of 19,203 in Sandy, Utah.
In December 2020, the NWSL said the Royals would cease operations and that their player-related assets transferred to the expansion Kansas City NWSL team (now the Kansas City Current).
Royals ownership retained the option of bringing back the club back to the NWSL.
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