Real Salt Lake Founder Dave Checketts Champions Utah Royals FC Amid MLS Growth Plans

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon, Real Salt Lake hosted Burnley FC from the English Football League Championship, marking a highly anticipated friendly match. Real Salt Lake's founder, Dave Checketts, returned to his native Utah, but this time not as the local club's figurehead – rather, as a member of Burnley's board of directors. Checketts made a surprise visit, speaking to reporters before the match and sharing his hopes for the future of soccer in Utah.

Burnley's visit to Utah was a significant event, as the Premier League relegation has left the team in the EFL Championship for the upcoming season. This friendly match provided an opportunity for Real Salt Lake to showcase its potential and connect with fans. Despite being a visiting team, Burnley's match was met with immense enthusiasm from the fans, who packed America First Field. The electric atmosphere was a testament to the growing demand for soccer in Utah.

The match itself was an exciting 4-1 victory for Real, with goals from Zavier Gozo, Diego Luna, and a brace from Sergi Solans. However, minutes before the kickoff, Checketts made a pitch for Utahns to support another team – Utah Royals FC. As the club's founder, he emphasized the incredible progress made by the team under new leadership, citing their improved performance and roster changes.

With nearly 17,000 fans in attendance, Checketts believes it's only a matter of time before Utah Royals FC achieves its potential and sells out on a regular basis. He encourages fans to give the team a chance, highlighting the unique aspects of women's soccer. Checketts opined that women's soccer is more fun to watch due to its high level of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Growing up in Utah, Kealia Watt, a former Alta High School star and current NFL player's wife, didn't have a local professional team to look up to. However, the Utah Royals FC has changed that, and they have been doing an incredible job. The team is currently ranked fifth in the league after spending time in first and second place.

The ownership of Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC has undergone changes in recent years, with the Miller family and Miller Sports + Entertainment taking over in April 2025. This shift has brought new opportunities for growth and development. Kealia Watt is proud to see her state have a women's team and a place for young girls to look up to.

The visit of the Watts, including their son Koa, to America First Field marked a significant moment for the team and the sport. J.J. Watt, in a social media post, called out the team for not recognizing his wife's achievements, which include winning four state championships, being named Gatorade Player of the Year twice, and scoring the fastest first goal in USWNT history. The team issued an apology for their mistake.

The growing popularity of soccer in Utah is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams, players, and supporters. With the MLS's growth plans in place, it's exciting to think about the potential for Utah Royals FC to rise to prominence and become a household name. As Dave Checketts so aptly put it, the team should be able to sell out on a regular basis, and the future of women's soccer in Utah looks brighter than ever.

The visit of Burnley FC and the match against Real Salt Lake serve as a catalyst for the growing demand for soccer in Utah. With the right support and infrastructure in place, Utah Royals FC has the potential to be a driving force behind this growth. It's an exciting time to be a fan of soccer in Utah, and the future looks bright for the state's teams.

The MLS's growth plans include a focus on increasing the league's profile and popularity. With the success of teams like Utah Royals FC, it's clear that the league is on the right track. The visit of Burnley FC and the match against Real Salt Lake mark a significant moment in the growth of soccer in Utah.

As the sport continues to grow in Utah, it's essential to recognize the achievements of women's soccer. The Utah Royals FC has been doing an incredible job, and their potential to sell out is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and its supporters. With the right support and infrastructure in place, the future of women's soccer in Utah looks brighter than ever.