Oh, 2020. Looking back at the beginning of the year, no one could have seen that Utah Royals FC would cease operations. On paper, it still doesn’t make any sense. The club had the infrastructure, fan support (averaging 10,000 fans per game - pre-COVID-19, of course), and regular local media coverage. But behind the scenes, the organization was toxic to the core.
In August, reports on the history of racial abuse and sexist remarks from owner Dell Loy Hansen came to light. Facing pressure from MLS, Hansen agreed to sell Utah Soccer Holdings, LLC, the parent company that owns Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs and Utah Royals FC.