Dell Loy Hansen Agrees To Sell Real Salt Lake, Club Looking For New Ownership

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake owner, Dell Loy Hansen has agreed to sell the club in a letter written to the community on Sunday.

Hansen bought the club from founder Dave Checketts in 2013 after buying a share of the club in 2009. The sale includes Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC and Real Monarchs.

Hansen released the following letter to the community on Sunday morning.

“To the RSL community –

“I recognize that at times I have spoken too quickly, without pausing to consider the feelings or good intentions of others,” Hansen wrote. “This is not acceptable and I assume full responsibility for allowing my words to travel unfiltered as to their significance and impact. I believe that communities are strengthened by diversity. I am truly sorry for offending and being insensitive to the plight of others. I seek to do better and commit to supporting and improving diversity and inclusion in my own community going forward.

“After deep consideration and soul-searching, my wife Julie and I agree that the best way forward for the Real Salt Lake family is to assume new ownership and a refreshed vision,” Hansen continued. “We are fully invested in supporting the transition to new ownership and will work diligently to try to ensure that the Club stays within our community. We will support the organization and its employees in moving quickly so as to minimally disrupt this season and allow new ownership adequate time to plan for the 2021 season.

“Real Salt Lake has our full support. We have been blessed with loving friendships that are expressed daily,” Hansen continued. “These will be sorely missed. We love our community and our family and sincerely hope for the best outcomes for each. Know that our hearts will always bleed Claret and Cobalt.

“Sincerely,
Dell Loy Hansen”

From #RSL owner Dell Loy Hansen.

“After deep consideration and soul-searching, my wife Julie and I agree that the best way forward for the Real Salt Lake family is to assume new ownership and a refreshed vision.” pic.twitter.com/LrkM03JJ9y

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) August 30, 2020

Statement From Major League Soccer

A statement from Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber was released on Sunday following the decision by Hansen to sell the team.

“Major League Soccer has been informed that Real Salt Lake investor-operator Dell Loy Hansen has decided that he will begin a process to sell Utah Soccer holdings, the entity that owns Real Salt Lake (MLS), Utah Royals FC (NWSL) and Real Monarchs (USL),” Garber wrote. “MLS will work with Mr. Hansen on supporting the sale efforts for the company and will work closely with the club’s executive staff to support operations of the team during the transition period.

“I want to acknowledge Dell Loy Hansen’s significant efforts to build the sport of soccer in the state of Utah and for his commitment to Major League Soccer,” Garber added.

Statement from MLS Commissioner Don Garberhttps://t.co/haS3gR0tc6 pic.twitter.com/JAsCWf18lz

— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) August 30, 2020

The Begining Of The End

The morning of August 27th would ultimately signify the beginning of the end for Real Salt Lake’s owner Dell Loy Hansen.

During a live radio interview with a local Salt Lake City station, Hansen expressed his disappointment and frustration surrounding the player’s decision to cancel the fixture against LAFC the night before.

His comments were quickly met with backlash as the public quickly caught wind of the statements made by one of the state’s most successful businessman.

Hours later, Hansen re-appeared on yet another local radio station where he sincerely apologized and that he “misinterpreted” the player’s intentions by canceling the game.

Shortly after his apology, an article was released by The Athletic which depicted Hansen as a racist, giving clear examples of when and how he has used racist language in the past. Andy Williams, former player, head scout and assistant coach who was recently furloughed in April offered credibility to the story by attaching his name to it.

The MLS Players Associated quickly demanded the league needs to suspend Hansen and immediately conduct an investigation into the allegations reported in The Athletic article.

Minutes later, the league released its statement informing the public that they “will immediately commence an investigation.”