Big News for Real Salt Lake, old news for us

Today RSL held a media event and while I wasn’t able to attend it was OK because the announcement of:

UTAH ENTREPRENEUR DELL LOY HANSEN TO BECOME

CO-OWNER OF MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER’S REAL SALT LAKE

TRANSACTION ALSO INCLUDES RIO TINTO STADIUM AND KALL700 SPORTS TALK RADIO

SANDY, UT – Wednesday, November 18, 2009 – SCP Worldwide and Real Salt Lake Chairman Dave Checketts announced today that Utah entrepreneur and Real Estate developer Dell Loy Hansen has purchased a co-ownership stake in SCP Worldwide’s Utah sports properties – Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer (MLS), Rio Tinto Stadium and KALL700 Sports Talk Radio.  The transaction, of which the terms were undisclosed as per both parties, is subject to approval of the Major League Soccer Board of Governors. 

Mr. Hansen, who will serve as Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor for Real Salt Lake, will work closely with Mr. 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 Mr. Checketts, who founded Real Salt Lake as Major League Soccer’s 12^th 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.”

Mr. Hansen, President of Wasatch Property Management, Inc., is a lifelong Utah resident with deep roots in Cache Valley.  His passion to build youth athletic facilities led to the creation of the Sports Academy in North Logan fourteen years ago.   Many truly outstanding swimmers, soccer and tennis players have developed their skills at Sports Academy.    Personal success is at the root of the Academy experience and reflects   Mr. Hansen’s core values.

Under former Utah Governor Michael Leavitt, Dell Loy served nine years on the State’s Board of the Department of Business and Economic Development, two of those years as Chairman.   During that time he came to appreciate the great business opportunities that exist in Utah.

“I was proud to serve Governor Leavitt in growing our economy,” said Mr. 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.”

But for those of you who read my blog often you will know that we announced this news almost two weeks ago. I still am not sure what I think of the move but an infusion of cash is going to be a good thing for the organization.

OFF MY SOAPBOX
Earn The Star

This entry was posted on November 18, 2009 at 7:34 pm and is filed under The soapbox. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.