The NWSL is returning to Utah with the Utah Royals set to rejoin the league in 2024.
The Royals will join the NWSL as the newest expansion team in 2024, and will be owned by David Blitzer and Ryan Smith, who also own Major League Soccer side Real Salt Lake. The Royals were last in the NWSL from 2018-20′ before previous owner Dell Loy Hansen was forced to sell the franchise due to a toxic workplace culture and racist remarks made by Hansen.
Chris and Angie Long purchased the Royals in late 2020 before moving the franchise to Kansas City. The Kansas City Current still remain in the NWSL today.
Philadelphia 76ers executive Daryl Morey and Kraft Analytics Group CEO Jessica Gelman are also investors in the new ownership group while Michelle Hyncik has been chosen as team president.
The Royals did not qualify for the NWSL Playoffs in either of their campaigns in 2018 or 2019.