SANDY, Utah – Utah Royals FC has entered into a mutually beneficial transaction with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) that would permit the team to play in Kansas City.

The club will be able to play in Kansas City for the upcoming 2021 season. This transaction provides clarity on where the women on the Royals roster will play next season. It enables new ownership to re-establish the Utah Royals FC name and franchise at Rio Tinto Stadium two years from now, in 2023.

Utah Royals FC tweeted the following on Monday morning.

“Since the moment we announced the club, we could feel your passion, support & commitment,” the tweet read. “Nothing can take away the incredible memories we made together. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Utah is forever Royal.”

Since the moment we announced the club, we could feel your passion, support & commitment.

Nothing can take away the incredible memories we made together.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Utah is forever Royal. 💛💙🤍 pic.twitter.com/IUZMUdjv3r

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) December 7, 2020

“We love the Utah soccer community and have been honored to work with these world-renowned professional women athletes,” said ownersDell Loy and Julie Hansen.  “We will truly miss our athletes who have become our friends. We lend our full support to new owners who can continue our vision to have the women’s team equal to the men’s team in time, facilities, and resources and who can help shepherd the team into a new era of growth and success.”

Hansen bought the rights to FC Kansas City and turned the team into Utah Royals FC which began play in 2018.

Vice President of Soccer Operations Rob Zarkoscommented “I would like to thank the players who gave their all to this community, the staff who worked to make it happen and the fans who supported us every step of the way. You are Utah Royals FC.”

Utah Royals FC General Manager Stephanie Lee believes women’s professional soccer will be back in Utah.

“When I first arrived to Salt Lake City three years ago, what stood out was the overwhelming support and excitement from the community,” Utah Royals FC General Manager Stephanie Lee said. “I hope fans have solace that women’s professional soccer will be back.”