Getting Real: Local Businessman Hansen Formally Buys Into RSL

Hansen's Stake In RSL Believed To Be Around $52 Million

Utah real estate developer Dell Loy Hansen has formally bought a 49% stake in Real Salt Lake (RSL), Rio Tinto Stadium and KALL-AM for "what is believed to be around $52 million -- previously reported figures that team officials did not dispute," according to Michael Lewis of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. RSL Owner Dave Checketts "promised to keep the money within the company, using it to pay down a 'substantial amount' of debt and make improvements to Rio Tinto Stadium, particularly its front entrance." Hansen: "Real will be a stronger, better, championship franchise -- I believe -- because Dave invited me in to help him." Lewis notes that invitation "came during a fund-raiser for Sandy mayor Tom Dolan that Checketts held, as part of a party to watch the U.S. national team play a qualifying game for the 2010 World Cup." Hansen said that he "listened to Checketts try to interest" Torante co-Founder and former Disney Chair Michael Eisner in "buying a piece of the team." Hansen said, "I'm sitting right by this conversation. So they lean over and say, 'Maybe you'd like a piece.' I says, 'Yeah, I think I would.' And over the next eight weeks, I was just a little quicker to the punch than Michael Eisner" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 11/19). In Utah, Michael Black writes now that Hansen and his "financial backing are onboard," RSL can "plan on some upgrades." Checketts: "There are a lot of things we are doing with the money. It is all staying in the club. We are substantially paying down some debt, and then putting working capital to work on finishing a few things around the stadium, and then a first-class practice facility." Checketts said that he "would like to get the club a practice facility closer to Rio Tinto instead of in Lehi at Xango Field" (DESERET NEWS, 11/19).

OVER-ARCHING SUPPORT: Checketts appeared on ESPN Radio 101.1 St. Louis yesterday, during which host Bernie Miklasz said, "I'm advised because of the confidentiality clauses and agreements with Goldman Sachs and the Rams, Dave is not allowed to discuss the Rams sales and his attempt to purchase the Rams." Miklasz: "Dave, all I will say to that is I understand but also wanted to wish you well and that that's proceeding well for you." Checketts: "I'm bullish in our pursuits, let me just put it that way. I think we've got a great chance." Checketts said his "real concern is just to make sure this club stays in St. Louis." Checketts: "As I've said before, I don't think any city in North America has done more to get a team than St. Louis did to get the Rams. They belong there. I hope they stay there" ("The Bernie Miklasz Show," WXOS-FM, 11/18).