Report: David Blitzer Among Ownership Group Close To Purchasing Real Salt Lake
Nov 11, 2021, 11:55 AM | Updated: 12:07 pm
(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Real Salt Lake is on the verge of being bought, according to a recent report by Sportico.
A group that includes David Blitzer is suggested to be in the final stages of negotiations, the report states.
Blitzer, 52, is a co-managing partner and minority owner of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League, Philadelphia 76ers of the National Basketball Association, Crystal Palace F.C. of the English Premier League, FC Augsburg of the Bundesliga, Waasland-Beveren of the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, the Scranton Wilkes/Barre RailRiders of the Triple-A International League, esport company Dignitas, and a senior executive at the private equity firm Blackstone Group.
BREAKING: A group that includes David Blitzer, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is nearing a deal to purchase MLS club Real Salt Lake.https://t.co/YlJUKnrJdN
— Sportico (@Sportico) November 11, 2021
Real Salt Lake has been for sale for a year and a half with a number of potential candidates rumored to have an interest. Most notably, current Utah Jazz owner and local billionaire Ryan Smith was the first candidate to profess his desire in owning the soccer club. However, the negotiating process deteriorated and Real Salt Lake remains on the market.
That is until now. This recent report is the first of its kind in a number of months. The ownership search at Real Salt Lake has been on standby, with very little information being leaked as it relates to potential buyers and or interested parties.
Earlier this year, Sportico broke a story suggesting that former owner Dell Loy Hansen and Major League Soccer were asking $420 million for the club after a recent evaluation.
Real Salt Lake remains the only MLS club without ownership. Previously, Orlando City S.C. and Houston Dynamo were recently purchased for fees between $400-450 million, according to reports.