About RSL
Utah's professional sports landscape changed forever in July, 2004, with the historic announcement by Major League Soccer (MLS) Commissioner Don Garber that Salt Lake City will be home to the nine-year old League's 12th team—Real Salt Lake—the second major league sports organization in state history.
“The Salt Lake City bid for a 2005 kickoff emerged from a crowded pack due to the experience and savvy of Dave Checketts and his group,” said Commissioner Garber at the University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the team will play its first few seasons. “We are proud to now call Salt Lake City home to Major League Soccer.”
Beyond just the sports entertainment value, Real Salt Lake is bringing significant socio-economic benefits to the state. “Dave and his group have done an incredible thing for Utah,” said Rocky Anderson, Mayor of Salt Lake City. “This team will bring immeasurable benefits to our city and state for years to come.”
Checketts returned to Salt Lake after spending much of his early career at the helm of the NBA’s Utah Jazz and the better part of the past decade overseeing the NBA New York Knicks and varied other New York sports and media interests.
“This team will become much more than just another team to root for,” Checketts said. “Our team will become a rallying point for every different segment of our community and bridge divides between our ever-diversified communities.”
Real Salt Lake is now on its third season and gaining ground on the competition. Fast. The team acquired 17-year-old phenom Freddie Adu in the off-season, among other exciting changes on the young and talented team.
