Real Salt Lake

The Spanish title Real ({{IPA|es|reˈal}}), meaning "royal" in English, has been used since the early 20th century by Spanish soccer clubs who have received royal patronage from a reigning monarch — most notably Madrid, Zaragoza, Betis and Sociedad. In choosing the name Real for the Salt Lake-based team, initial owner Dave Checketts intended to create a brand name that would become well-known for its simplicity, followed the European-style naming conventions of the league, and would potentially foster a partnership with Real Madrid — admired both because of their successful soccer history and close association with basketball (similar to Checketts' own history with Utah's NBA team).{{cite web|url=http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/07/21/the-real-story-madrid-to-salt-lake-city|title=The Real Story: Madrid to Salt Lake City|work=The New York Times|date=July 21, 2007|access-date=February 21, 2015}}{{cite news|last=West|first=Phil|title=How Real Salt Lake got their name and colors|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/04/28/how-real-salt-lake-got-their-name-and-colors|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=April 28, 2016|access-date=May 19, 2016}}

Local reaction to the new team's name was initially met with mixed feelings, with the name being accused of contrivance.{{cite news|last=Richins|first=Peter|title=Major League Soccer: Looking for a nickname|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_2390640|newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=August 6, 2004|access-date=November 19, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cafefutebol.net/2013/11/15/the-absurdity-of-mls-nomenclature/|title=The Absurdity of MLS Nomenclature|access-date=November 2, 2014|archive-date=October 22, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141022222512/http://www.cafefutebol.net/2013/11/15/the-absurdity-of-mls-nomenclature/|url-status=dead}} Other suggested team names, such as "Highlanders", "Salt Lake SC", or "Union SLC", were initially preferred for the club by locals. However, by at least 2014, reaction to the name had drastically improved, with the team establishing an identity representative of the Salt Lake community.{{cite web |url=http://rslperspective.com/2013/01/24/a-new-day-for-real-salt-lake-as-dave-checketts-moves-on/ |title=A New Day for Real Salt Lake as Dave Checketts moves on |publisher=RSL Perspective |date=January 24, 2013 |access-date=June 8, 2014 |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607135338/http://rslperspective.com/2013/01/24/a-new-day-for-real-salt-lake-as-dave-checketts-moves-on/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://ussoccerplayers.typepad.com/ussoccerplayers/2008/04/sounders-alread.html |title=USSoccerPlayers: Sounders Already Scoring |publisher=Ussoccerplayers.typepad.com |date=April 10, 2008 |access-date=December 3, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111004074740/http://ussoccerplayers.typepad.com/ussoccerplayers/2008/04/sounders-alread.html |archive-date=October 4, 2011 }}

{{Main|History of Real Salt Lake}}

File:Robbie Russell Real Salt Lake.jpg (in red) playing for Real Salt Lake]]

Real Salt Lake became the twelfth MLS franchise when Major League Soccer awarded an expansion franchise on July 14, 2004, to SCP Worldwide, headed by Dave Checketts. United States U-17's coach John Ellinger was named as the initial manager of the club, with forward Jason Kreis becoming the club’s first player. RSL began play on April 2, 2005, in a match against the MetroStars at Giants Stadium that ended as a scoreless draw;{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/03/sports/soccer/03stars.html | work=The New York Times | first=Ron | last=Dicker | title=On a Night Unfit for Scoring, the MetroStars Slog to a tie | date=April 3, 2005}} Kreis would score the team’s first ever goal the following game on the road against the LA Galaxy. The club’s first ever home match, and victory, would occur on April 16 in front of 25,287 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium, with defender Brian Dunseth securing a victory over Rocky Mountain Cup rival Colorado Rapids.{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700264165/Real-Salt-Lake-Things-have-changed-a-lot-since-05-opener.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117033659/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700264165/Real-Salt-Lake-Things-have-changed-a-lot-since-05-opener.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 17, 2010|title=Real Salt Lake: Things have changed a lot since '05 opener|author=Dan Rasmussen|date=October 5, 2008|work=DeseretNews.com|access-date=February 21, 2015}}

However, both the 2005 and 2006 seasons would prove to be relative disappointments for the club. Despite strong performances from key players Kreis, Eddie Pope, Andy Williams, and Jeff Cunningham, RSL would embark on a 10-game losing streak in the former and an 18-game winless run in the latter, finishing each season among the worst teams in the league. {{Cite web |last=Hackett |first=Tom |date=2020-12-09 |title=Real Salt Lake Trio Honored As Top 25 Greatest Players In MLS History |url=https://kslsports.com/mls/real-salt-lake/real-salt-lake-trio-honored-as-top-25-greatest-players-in-mls-history/448249 |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=KSL Sports |language=en-us}}{{Cite web |last=KSL.com |first= |last2= |first2= |date=May 23, 2007 |title=RSL Trades Jeff Cunningham to Toronto |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/1258805/rsl-trades-jeff-cunningham-to-toronto |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=www.ksl.com |language=en}}

The 2007 season began with the club making moves for veteran talent to build around, most notably bringing in goalkeeper Nick Rimando and midfielder Kyle Beckerman pre-season. However, following continued poor form, Ellinger was fired in May and unexpectedly replaced as head coach by Kreis, who immediately retired as a player to take the role.{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695198790/Tireless-Ellinger-setting-sails.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023165333/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695198790/Tireless-Ellinger-setting-sails.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 23, 2012|title='Tireless' Ellinger setting sails|author=James Edward|date=August 8, 2007|work=DeseretNews.com|access-date=February 21, 2015}}

The 2008 season saw the club begin to achieve successes, finishing with an even record and qualifying for the MLS Playoffs for the first time. The season additionally saw the opening of America First Field, a soccer-specific stadium for the club in Sandy. The club advanced past Chivas USA in the first round of the playoffs before losing to the New York Red Bulls in the Western Conference final.{{cite web |url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/660217534/Winless-RSL-has-coaching-shake-up.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023193027/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/660217534/Winless-RSL-has-coaching-shake-up.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 23, 2012 |title=Winless RSL has coaching shake up |date=September 1, 2011 |work=ESPN |access-date=September 1, 2011}}

The 2009 season saw the club post a near-perfect home record to propel itself into a playoff-qualification battle, won on the final day against the Colorado Rapids.{{Cite web |title=2009 Real Salt Lake Stats, All Competitions |url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/f7d86a43/2009/Real-Salt-Lake-Stats |access-date=2025-04-14 |website=FBref.com |language=en}}{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339209/Real-Salt-Lake-Believe-it-RSL-earns-playoff-spot.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029094157/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705339209/Real-Salt-Lake-Believe-it-RSL-earns-playoff-spot.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 29, 2009|title=Real Salt Lake: Believe it! RSL earns playoff spot|author=James Edward|date=October 25, 2009|work=DeseretNews.com|access-date=February 21, 2015}} Seeded as the lowest Eastern Conference team (due to the playoff format of the time), RSL progressed through the playoffs to the 2009 MLS Cup, where they defeated the LA Galaxy in a penalty shootout to win their first championship.{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=702587&sec=global&cc=5739 |title=Salt Lake beat L.A. Galaxy to MLS title |date=November 23, 2009 |work=ESPN |access-date=November 23, 2009 |archive-date=October 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020043427/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=702587&sec=global&cc=5739 |url-status=dead }}

As defending champions, RSL proved to have its best season as a club in 2010, posting a 25 game unbeaten streak and home and zero losses at home on the way to a second-place finish in the MLS Supporters Shield standings.{{cite web|url=http://www.realsaltlake.com/news/2010/10/rsl-notes-quotes-rsl-2-0-fcd|title=RSL Notes & Quotes – RSL 2 : 0 FCD|work=Real Salt Lake|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=July 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715164817/http://www.realsaltlake.com/news/2010/10/rsl-notes-quotes-rsl-2-0-fcd|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Lewis|first=Michael C.|title=Brazilian's two goals propel RSL over Cruz Azul|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/sports/50502703-77/rsl-azul-cruz-paulo.html.csp|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=October 20, 2010|access-date=November 19, 2015}} Rimando finished as the league’s best goalkeeper, with Olave named as MLS Defender of the Year and newly acquired forward Álvaro Saborío establishing himself as a primary goal scorer. The group stages of the Champions League saw the club finishing first;{{cite web|url=http://www.usdish.com/rsl-concacaf-champions |title=Real Salt Lake, Club World Champions? |publisher=usdish.com |access-date=April 26, 2011}} however, an early MLS playoff exit saw increased focus on 2011, where wins over the Columbus Crew and Saprissa in the Champions League found RSL as the first MLS team to reach the competition’s final. Played as a two-legged draw against C.F. Monterrey, a tie in the first game in Mexico was cancelled out by a 1-0 win by Monterrey in Utah on April 22.

The remainder of the 2011 season saw an end to the home unbeaten streak at 29 games, but successful re-qualifications to both the playoffs and CONCACAF Champions League. This was followed by a second-place Western Conference finish in 2012, as well as a group-stage elimination in the 2012-13 CONCACAF Champions League.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/10/23/ccl-recap-herediano-hold-rsl-0-0-dash-ccl-dream|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111041431/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/10/23/ccl-recap-herediano-hold-rsl-0-0-dash-ccl-dream|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 11, 2012|title=CCL Recap: Herediano hold RSL 0–0, dash CCL dream|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=February 21, 2015}}

In 2013, Checketts sold his stake in the club to minority owner Dell Loy Hansen.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/24/dell-loy-hansen-acquires-full-ownership-real-salt-lake |title=Dell Loy Hansen acquires full ownership of Real Salt Lake |author=Nicholas Rosano |date=January 24, 2013 |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407021612/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/24/dell-loy-hansen-acquires-full-ownership-real-salt-lake |url-status=dead }} The season saw the departure of key players Olave, Espindola, and Johnson; {{cite web |url=http://mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/27/2013-real-salt-lake-preview-revamp-%E2%80%93-not-overhaul-%E2%80%93-should-keep-rsl-hunt |title=2013 Real Salt Lake Preview: Revamp–not overhaul–should keep RSL in the hunt |date=February 27, 2013 |author=Michael Black |access-date=April 14, 2013 |archive-date=June 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602015441/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/27/2013-real-salt-lake-preview-revamp-%E2%80%93-not-overhaul-%E2%80%93-should-keep-rsl-hunt |url-status=dead }} however, the club garnered another second place Western Conference finish, as well as trips to both the 2013 MLS Cup and 2013 U.S. Open Cup final, where the team lost to Sporting Kansas City and D.C. United, respectively. Following the season, Kreis left the club to coach expansion side New York City FC, with assistant coach Jeff Cassar replacing him;{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/12/10/jason-kreis-steps-down-head-coach-real-salt-lake-will-take-top-job-new-york-|title=Jason Kreis steps down as head coach of Real Salt Lake, will take top job at New York City FC|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=December 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213055027/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/12/10/jason-kreis-steps-down-head-coach-real-salt-lake-will-take-top-job-new-york-|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/12/18/real-salt-lake-promote-longtime-assistant-jeff-cassar-replace-departed-head-|title=Real Salt Lake promote longtime assistant Jeff Cassar to replace departed head coach Jason Kreis|work=MLSsoccer.com|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=January 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140120211404/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/12/18/real-salt-lake-promote-longtime-assistant-jeff-cassar-replace-departed-head-|url-status=dead}} despite this, the club finished with a then-high points total of 56 points in 2014, qualifying for CONCACAF before being eliminated early in the playoffs.

2015 saw the departures of Borchers and Saborío, which led to the team failing to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2007.{{cite web|last=Kamrani|first=Chris|title=Done deal: RSL trades Nat Borchers to Portland in exchange for allocation money|url=http://www.sltrib.com/home/1922665-155/done-deal-rsl-trades-nat-borchers|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=November 19, 2015}}{{cite web|last=Kamrani|first=Christopher|title=Real Salt Lake: RSL trades Alvaro Saborio for D.C. United midfielder Luis Silva (with video)|url=http://www.sltrib.com/home/2737414-155/real-salt-lake-rsl-to-trade|work=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=July 16, 2015|access-date=November 19, 2015}} A push to the quarterfinals of the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League helped contribute to a stronger 2016 season and brief return to the playoffs. However, this season saw even further departures, with Morales and Olave leaving the club following 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.rsl.com/post/2016/11/30/real-salt-lake-exercises-options-five-players |title=Real Salt Lake Exercises Options on Five Players |publisher=Real Salt Lake |date=November 30, 2016 |access-date=March 30, 2017}}

A poor start to the 2017 season saw Cassar dismissed as head coach,{{cite news|title=Real Salt Lake Dismisses Head Coach Jeff Cassar|url=http://www.rsl.com/post/2017/03/20/real-salt-lake-dismisses-head-coach-jeff-cassar|publisher=Real Salt Lake|date=March 20, 2017|access-date=March 21, 2017}} with Mike Petke taking over the position in April – however, despite a late-season run, the team failed to make the playoffs.{{cite news|title=Real Salt Lake promote Mike Petke to Head Coach|url=http://www.rsl.com/post/2017/03/29/real-salt-lake-promote-mike-petke-head-coach|publisher=Real Salt Lake|date=March 29, 2017|access-date=March 30, 2017}} 2018 saw improvements on the field, as the club finished sixth in the conference led by strong performances from Albert Rusnák and Damir Kreilach. However, the season was primarily focused on the opening of the Real Academy and Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, which provided a new home for the club, the NWSL’s Utah Royals FC, reserve side Real Monarchs, and the club’s youth academies.{{cite news|last=Lee|first=Maddie|title=MLS commissioner says Real Salt Lake's new facility enables the league to recruit, develop world's top talent|url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/rsl/2018/02/28/mls-commissioner-don-garber-calls-real-salt-lakes-new-herriman-facility-indicative-of-where-mls-wants-to-be/|newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=February 28, 2018|access-date=August 22, 2018}}

2019 saw the final seasons of both Rimando and long-time defender Tony Beltran, both of whom retired following the end of the campaign. The club also saw the dismissal of head coach Petke on August 11, following an incident with match officials during the 2019 Leagues Cup. Initially named interim manager for the remainder of the season, assistant coach Freddy Juarez was eventually named as head coach following the season.{{cite web|title=RSL coach hopes COVID-19 cases slow before MLS tournament start in Florida|url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/rsl/2020/07/02/rsl-coach-freddy-juarez/|access-date=July 3, 2020|website=The Salt Lake Tribune|language=en-US}}{{cite web|date=June 10, 2020|title=RSL Manager Freddy Juarez Eager To Begin Orlando Tournament Preparations|url=https://kslsports.com/435871/rsl-manager-freddy-juarez-eager-to-begin-orlando-tournament-preparations/?|access-date=July 3, 2020|website=KSL Sports}}

The 2020 season, significantly shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, nonetheless saw announcement that Hansen would sell his stakes in Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC, and Real Monarchs following controversy over his past use of racist language.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=August 30, 2020 |title=Dell Loy Hansen to sell Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/real-salt-lake/story/4170008/dell-loy-hansen-to-sell-real-salt-lakeutah-royals |publisher=ESPN |access-date=August 30, 2020}} Additionally, long-time club captain – and final remaining member of the 2009 MLS Cup winning side – Beckerman retired following the season's end, having played more regular season games than any outfield player in MLS history.{{cite news|author=RSL Communications|title=Real Salt Lake Icon Kyle Beckerman Announces His Retirement|url=https://www.rsl.com/news/real-salt-lake-icon-kyle-beckerman-announces-his-retirement|publisher=Real Salt Lake|website=RSL.com|date=December 21, 2020|access-date=December 9, 2021}}

RSL began the 2021 season with no defined ownership, with MLS controlling the process of sale to new ownership.{{cite news |last=Vejar |first=Alex |date=January 7, 2021 |title=MLS to take over sale process of RSL on Friday |url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/rsl/2021/01/07/mls-take-over-sale/ |publisher=Salt Lake Tribune |access-date=January 8, 2021}} Despite a relatively strong start to the season, Juarez unexpectedly left as head coach on August 27 to become an assistant coach with Seattle Sounders FC, leaving his own assistant Pablo Mastroeni to see out the season as interim.{{cite news|author=MLSSoccer.com staff|title=Real Salt Lake, head coach Freddy Juarez part ways midseason|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/real-salt-lake-head-coach-freddy-juarez-part-ways-midseason|publisher=MLSSoccer.com|website=MLSSoccer.com|date=August 27, 2021|access-date=December 9, 2021}} Under Mastroeni, the team made a late-season push to the playoffs, qualifying on the final day of the season through a stoppage-time goal by Kreilach to give RSL a win over Sporting Kansas City.{{cite news|author=Dylan Butler|title=Recap: Sporting Kansas City 0, Real Salt Lake 1|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/recap-sporting-kansas-city-0-real-salt-lake-1|publisher=MLSSoccer.com|website=MLSSoccer.com|date=November 8, 2021|access-date=December 9, 2021}} Despite barely qualifying, the team progressed to the conference finals for the first time since 2013 before being defeated by the Portland Timbers. This success led to Mastroeni being named permanent head coach following the season.{{cite news|author=MLSSoccer.com staff|title=Real Salt Lake name Pablo Mastroeni permanent head coach|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/real-salt-lake-name-pablo-mastroeni-permanent-head-coach|publisher=MLSSoccer.com|website=MLSSoccer.com|date=December 13, 2021|access-date=December 13, 2021}}

Prior to the 2022 season, the franchise was acquired by sports team investors Ryan Smith and David Blitzer.{{cite news|title=David Blitzer & Smith Entertainment Group to Purchase Real Salt Lake|url=https://www.rsl.com/news/david-blitzer-smith-entertainment-group-to-purchase-real-salt-lake|publisher=MLS Digital|website=RSL.com|date=January 5, 2022|access-date=January 11, 2022}}{{cite news|last1=Stejskal|first1=Sam|last2=Tenorio|first2=Paul|title=David Blitzer group finalizes RSL purchase; Details on Lorenzo Insigne's Toronto FC salary: MLS Notebook|url=https://theathletic.com/3053301/2022/01/05/david-blitzer-finalizing-deal-to-buy-rsl-details-on-lorenzo-insignes-toronto-fc-salary-mls-notebook/|website=TheAthletic.com|date=January 5, 2022|access-date=January 11, 2022}}

On April 18, 2025, Miller Sports + Entertainment, led by former Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller, acquired a controlling interest in the franchise for $600 million, with Blitzer remaining as a minority owner.{{cite web |last1=Novy-Williams |first1=Eben |title=Miller Family Buying Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals From Blitzer |url=https://www.sportico.com/business/team-sales/2025/gail-miller-buy-rsl-utah-royals-david-blitzer-1234848983/ |website=Sportico |access-date=April 20, 2025 |date=April 18, 2025}}

The team's colors are claret red, cobalt blue, and real gold.{{cite press release|title=Introducing Utah's team: Real Salt Lake|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/introducing-utahs-team-real-salt-lake|publisher=MLS Digital|website=MLSSoccer.com|date=January 22, 2010|access-date=June 4, 2024}}{{cite news|last=West|first=Phil|title=How Real Salt Lake got their name and colors|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/04/28/how-real-salt-lake-got-their-name-and-colors|publisher=MLS Digital|website=MLSSoccer.com|date=April 28, 2016|access-date=February 12, 2020}}

Home, away, and third uniforms.{{cite web|url=http://claretpapers.wordpress.com/2012/03/28/real-salt-lake-jerseys-through-the-years/ |title=Real Salt Lake jerseys through the years " claretpapers |date=March 28, 2012 |publisher=Claretpapers.wordpress.com |access-date=September 2, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.rslsoapbox.com/2014/2/4/5378610/rsl-kit-unveil-gold-bar-features-crown-reaction-mixed|title=RSL kit unveil: Gold bar features crown, reaction mixed|work=RSL Soapbox|date=February 4, 2014|access-date=November 2, 2014}}{{cite web|last=Borg|first=Simon|title=Jersey Week 2014: Real Salt Lake's new home kits carry club's motto|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/03/04/jersey-week-2014-real-salt-lakes-new-home-kits-carry-clubs-motto|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=March 4, 2014|access-date=June 13, 2015|archive-date=August 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150802021233/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2014/03/04/jersey-week-2014-real-salt-lakes-new-home-kits-carry-clubs-motto|url-status=dead}}

• Home

• Away

• Third/special

File:Rio Tinto Stadium.jpg has been RSL's home stadium since 2008.]]

After months of discussions an agreement was put in place and Real Salt Lake announced that they would move forward with the construction of Real Salt Lake Stadium.{{cite web|title=Real Salt Lake joined by Real Madrid Saturday at 12:00 noon to break ground on Sandy stadium site|url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/real-salt-lake-joined-real-madrid-saturday-1200-noon-break-ground-sandy-stadium-site|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=January 23, 2010|access-date=June 9, 2015|archive-date=June 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150617001358/http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/real-salt-lake-joined-real-madrid-saturday-1200-noon-break-ground-sandy-stadium-site|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Soccer Stadium Finally A ReALity|url=http://kutv.com/topstories/local_story_227233529.html|publisher=KUTV|agency=Associated Press|date=August 15, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070926212343/http://kutv.com/topstories/local_story_227233529.html|archive-date=September 26, 2007|access-date=June 13, 2015}}

The Debt Review Committee of Salt Lake County, however, voted against the stadium. In response, Real Salt Lake's owner announced the team would be sold and likely move out of the Salt Lake area after the 2007 season.{{cite web|title=KSL Newsradio: Soccer stadium deal is dead|url=http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,655192248,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165510/http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,655192248,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 30, 2007|work=Deseret News|date=January 29, 2007|access-date=December 3, 2011}} However, a new stadium proposal was passed by the State Senate.{{cite news|last=Jensen|first=Derek P.|title=Stadium plan: It's ba-a-ack!|url=http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5141310|newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=February 2, 2007|access-date=December 3, 2011}}{{cite web|author1=Lisa Riley Roche|author2=Amelia Nielson-Stowell|author3=Leigh Dethman|title=Stadium deal due by Friday – or else|url=http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660192342,00.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120709025240/http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,660192342,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2012|work=Deseret News|date=February 3, 2007|access-date=December 3, 2011}}{{cite news|last=Walsh|first=Rebecca|url=http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5169527|title=Senate paves way for a Sandy stadium|newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=February 6, 2007|access-date=December 3, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206142147/http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5169527|archive-date=February 6, 2012}} The Utah House approved House bill 1SHB38, approving $35 million towards the development of Real Salt Lake's new home. The governor signed the bill.

The $110 million stadium was built in Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City. The stadium was named after its sponsor, Rio Tinto Group. The stadium opened on October 9, 2008.{{cite news|title=RSL confirms Oct. 9 stadium opening|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_10105238|newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=August 5, 2008|access-date=November 19, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080930135918/http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_10105238|archive-date=September 30, 2008}} In September 2022, Rio Tinto Stadium was renamed America First Field, with RSL and America First Credit Union announcing a naming rights deal.{{cite web | url=https://www.rsl.com/news/america-first-field-is-new-name-for-real-salt-lake-s-home | title=America First Field is New Name for Real Salt Lake's Home | Real Salt Lake }}

{{further|Rocky Mountain Cup}}

File:Leo the Lion top soccer mascot.jpg

The main rival of Real Salt Lake is considered to be the Colorado Rapids, with the two teams being the closest to each other geographically, and also competing for the annual Rocky Mountain Cup.{{cite web|title=The History of the Rocky Mountain Cup|url=http://www.burgundywave.com/2015/6/4/8695413/the-history-of-the-rocky-mountain-cup|publisher=SB Nation|date=June 4, 2015|access-date=September 29, 2015}}

Although no annual trophy is involved, the club's more fierce rival has become Sporting Kansas City, initially born out of a 2011 preseason brawl{{cite web|last=MLSsoccer Staff|title=Hard tackles, hard words, hard-fought: The Real Salt Lake-Sporting KC feud|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2015/08/11/major-league-soccers-most-heated-rivalry-story-behind-real-salt-lake-sporting-kansas|publisher=MLSsoccer.com|date=April 28, 2017|access-date=July 14, 2018}} and developed after the teams met in MLS Cup 2013.{{cite news|last=Kamrani|first=Christopher|title=Real Salt Lake: Heated rivalry with Sporting KC still alive and well|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sports/2645032-155/real-salt-lake-heated-rivalry-with|newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=June 21, 2015|access-date=November 19, 2015}} Since that time, the teams have regularly competed in the Western Conference. Many of the matches have been heated among longtime players who played for the two teams. Real Salt Lake has a record of 19 wins, 12 draws and 17 losses in all competitions against Sporting.{{cite web|last=RSL Communications|title=Real Salt Lake Explodes for 4–2 Win Over Sporting Kansas City|url=https://www.rsl.com/post/2018/07/05/real-salt-lake-explodes-4-2-win-over-sporting-kansas-city|publisher=RSL.com|date=July 5, 2018|access-date=July 14, 2018}}

The team also maintains smaller, fan-driven rivalries with the LA Galaxy, Los Angeles FC, and Seattle Sounders FC.{{cite web|title=Real Salt Lake eager to renew heat of old antagonism with LA Galaxy

|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/real-salt-lake-eager-renew-heat-old-antagonism-la-galaxy|access-date=May 19, 2025}} The latter derived from a meeting in the 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs, later expanding through further playoff meetings and the losses of general manager Garth Lagerway, head coach Freddy Juarez, and club captain Albert Rusnák to the club.{{cite web|title=Garth Lagerway|url=https://www.soundersfc.com/team/staff/garth-lagerwey|website=soundersfc.com|access-date=July 14, 2018}}

Real Salt Lake has seven officially recognized supporters groups — Salt City United, Rogue Cavaliers Brigade, Section 26, Riot Brigade, La Barra Real, Section 11 ("The Swarm"), and Los Caballeros Reales — which as of 2019 all exist under a larger unified umbrella group known as The Riot.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsl.com/supporters |title=Supporters Groups |publisher=RSL.com |date=July 2018|access-date=March 10, 2020}}

Leo the Lion is the official mascot of Real Salt Lake.{{cite web|url=http://www.rsl.com/leo-the-lion |title=Leonardo the Lion |publisher=RSL.com }}

In 2011, Branden Steineckert, drummer of punk band Rancid and a supporter of Real Salt Lake, composed the song "Believe" in honor of the club. Initially posted on YouTube, the song has since been adopted as the team's official anthem, being sung at the beginning of every home game, at the end of every home game if the result is a win, as well as after all goals scored by RSL.[http://www.realsaltlake.com/content/chants#believe Real Salt Lake Chants], Retrieved: February 11, 2014

As Real Salt Lake is a small-market team, one of the team's biggest challenges is bringing in enough revenue to remain competitive.{{cite web|last=Botta|first=Christopher|title=MLS club presidents on the season ahead|url=http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2013/03/04/In-Depth/Presidents.aspx|publisher=Sports Business Daily|date=March 4, 2013|access-date=June 9, 2015|archive-date=December 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222105726/http://m.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2013/03/04/In-Depth/Presidents.aspx|url-status=dead}} Opening Rio Tinto Stadium in October 2008 provided a significant revenue boost to the team. Real Salt Lake went from 4,000 season-ticket holders before October 2008, to 8,750 in 2012, 10,000 in 2013, and 15,000+ in 2016.{{cite web|title=Behind the MLS Ambition Rankings: Real Salt Lake|url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/03/04/mls-ambition-rankings-real-salt-lake|publisher=SI.com|date=March 4, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2018}}

RSL has a long-term sponsorship deal with Intermountain Health.{{cite web | url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/rsl/2024/02/14/here-is-new-jersey-sponsor-rsl/ | title=Real Salt Lake's new jerseys have a 'localized twist' }} It previously had sponsorship deals with LifeVantage{{cite news|last=Harvey|first=Tom|title=RSL to switch jersey sponsor|url=http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/money/57135002-79/company-lifevantage-xango-distributors.html.csp|newspaper=The Salt Lake Tribune|date=November 22, 2013|access-date=November 19, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Real Salt Lake unveils new long-term jersey-front partnership with LifeVantage|url=http://www.realsaltlake.com/news/2013/10/real-salt-lake-unveils-new-long-term-jersey-front-partnership-lifevantage|publisher=RealSaltLake.com|date=October 29, 2013|access-date=October 29, 2013|archive-date=October 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030190150/http://www.realsaltlake.com/news/2013/10/real-salt-lake-unveils-new-long-term-jersey-front-partnership-lifevantage|url-status=dead}} and Xango.PRWeb, Xango Inks Historic Deal with Real Salt Lake, November 21, 2006, http://www.prweb.com/releases/Real-Salt-Lake/Soccer-Jersey/prweb481467.htm {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119060323/http://www.prweb.com/releases/Real-Salt-Lake/Soccer-Jersey/prweb481467.htm |date=November 19, 2014 }} Additional sponsors include JetBlue Airways,{{cite web|author=James Edward|title=Real Salt Lake signs JetBlue as airline partner|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705291842/Real-Salt-Lake-signs-JetBlue-as-airline-partner.html?pg=all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224055031/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705291842/Real-Salt-Lake-signs-JetBlue-as-airline-partner.html?pg=all|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 24, 2014|work=Deseret News|date=March 19, 2009|access-date=November 2, 2014}} Maverik, Inc., Ford, WCF Insurance, and Zions Bank.{{cite web|url=http://www.realsaltlake.com/partners/royal-partners|title=Royal Partners|work=Real Salt Lake|access-date=November 2, 2014}} Their corporate sponsors are America First Credit Union, Adidas, Atlas Disposal, City Creek Center, Coca-Cola, Collins Roofing Inc., Continental Tires, England Logistics, Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development, Great Clips, Key Bank, Les Olson Company, MarketStar, Michelob ULTRA, Pikus Concrete, Planet Fitness, Presidio, RealMedia, Sew Sweet, Sherwin-Williams, Siegfried and Jensen, Summit Technology, Toro, Toyota, Utah Children's Dental Network, Utah: Life Elevated, WGU, YESCO, and Zagg brands.{{cite web|url=http://rsl.com/club/partners/corporate-partners|title=Corporate Partners|work=Real Salt Lake|access-date=October 27, 2021}}

Sinclair Broadcast Group held television rights to Real Salt Lake games that were not aired by Major League Soccer's national television partners. The telecasts (which, until its discontinuation, were originally presented by Sinclair's American Sports Network) featured pre- and post-game coverage. Sinclair's Utah station KMYU served as the team's flagship station, and telecasts were syndicated to other Sinclair-owned stations in the region, and non-Sinclair stations in Albuquerque, Phoenix and Tucson.{{cite web|url=http://www.realsaltlake.com/news/2015/01/real-salt-lake-close-tv-deal-would-provide-quantum-leap-market-reach|title=Real Salt Lake close TV deal that would provide "quantum leap" in market reach|work=Real Salt Lake|access-date=February 21, 2015|archive-date=January 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150128154224/http://www.realsaltlake.com/news/2015/01/real-salt-lake-close-tv-deal-would-provide-quantum-leap-market-reach|url-status=dead}} In 2018, the team extended its television deal with Sinclair,{{Cite news|url=http://kutv.com/sports/real-salt-lake/real-salt-lake-extends-partnership-with-kmyu|title=Real Salt Lake extends Partnership with KMYU|last=Komma|first=Matt|work=KUTV.com|publisher=Sinclair Broadcast Group|access-date=March 3, 2018}} and announced a streaming partnership with KSL-TV, under which it offered in-market streaming of RSL's regional broadcasts, as well as their former sister club Utah Royals FC (NWSL) and reserve club Real Monarchs (then in the USL), on digital platforms.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsl.com/post/2018/02/12/real-salt-lake-launches-innovative-local-streaming-partnership-ksl|title=Real Salt Lake launches innovative local streaming partnership with KSL|date=February 12, 2018|access-date=March 3, 2018}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865695926/KSL-to-stream-nearly-all-Real-Salt-Lake-Utah-Royals-and-Monarchs-games.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213190828/https://www.deseretnews.com/article/865695926/KSL-to-stream-nearly-all-Real-Salt-Lake-Utah-Royals-and-Monarchs-games.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 13, 2018|title=KSL to stream nearly all Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals and Monarchs games|last=Morton|first=Aaron|date=February 13, 2018|work=DeseretNews.com|access-date=March 3, 2018}} In 2020, the team extended its television deal with Sinclair until 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.rsl.com/post/2020/08/21/rsl-extends-partnership-kutv-kmyu|title=Real Salt Lake extends partnership with KUTV & KMYU|date=August 21, 2020|access-date=November 1, 2020}}

: For details on former players, see All-time Real Salt Lake roster.

{{updated|April 28, 2025|{{cite web|url=http://www.rsl.com/players|title=Real Salt Lake official roster|publisher=Real Salt Lake |access-date=August 23, 2021}}}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=A32035|color=FFFFFF|border=DAA900}}

{{football squad player|no=1|nat=BRA|pos=GK|name={{sortname|Rafael|Cabral}}}}

{{football squad player|no=3|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Kobi|Henry}}|other=on loan from Reims}}

{{football squad player|no=4|nat=COL|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Brayan|Vera}}}}

{{football squad player|no=6|nat=PRY|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Braian|Ojeda}}}}

{{football squad player|no=7|nat=ARG|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Pablo|Ruiz|Pablo Ruiz (footballer, born 1998)}}}}

{{football squad player|no=8|nat=USA|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Diego|Luna|Diego Luna (soccer, born 2003)}}}}

{{football squad player|no=9|nat=NGR|pos=FW|name={{sortname|William|Agada}}}}

{{football squad player|no=10|nat=POR|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Diogo|Gonçalves}}}}

{{football squad player|no=11|nat=POL|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Dominik|Marczuk}}}}

{{football squad player|no=12|nat=JAM|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Matthew|Bell|Matthew Bell (footballer, born 2002)}}}}

{{football squad player|no=13|nat=COL|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Nelson|Palacio}}}}

{{football squad player|no=14|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Emeka|Eneli}}}}

{{football squad player|no=15|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Justen|Glad}}}}

{{football squad player|no=16|nat=USA|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Tyler|Wolff}}}}

{{football squad player|no=17|nat=AUS|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Lachlan|Brook}}}}

{{football squad player|no=18|nat=USA|pos=GK|name={{sortname|Zac|MacMath}}}}

{{football squad player|no=19|nat=USA|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Bode|Hidalgo}}}}

{{football squad player|no=21|nat=CIV|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Axel|Kei}}}}

{{football squad player|no=23|nat=AUS|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Ariath|Piol}}}}

{{fs mid|nonumber=|bg=A32035|color=FFFFFF|border=DAA900}}

{{football squad player|no=24|nat=USA|pos=GK|name={{sortname|Max|Kerkvliet|nolink=1}}}}

{{football squad player|no=26|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Philip|Quinton}}}}

{{football squad player|no=29|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Sam|Junqua}}}}

{{football squad player|no=30|nat=USA|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Owen|Anderson|nolink=1}}}}

{{football squad player|no=31|nat=USA|pos=GK|name={{sortname|Mason|Stajduhar}}}}

{{football squad player|no=32|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Zackery|Farnsworth}}}}

{{football squad player|no=33|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Tommy|Silva}}}}

{{football squad player|no=34|nat=USA|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Luca|Moisa|nolink=1}}}}

{{football squad player|no=36|nat=ESP|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Jesús|Barea}}}}

{{football squad player|no=37|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Luis|Rivera|Luis Rivera (soccer, born 2007)|nolink=1}}}}

{{football squad player|no=38|nat=USA|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Jude|Wellings}}}}

{{football squad player|no=39|nat=USA|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Aiden|Hezarkhani|nolink=1}}}}

{{football squad player|no=40|nat=USA|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Omar|Marquez|nolink=1}}}}

{{football squad player|no=41|nat=USA|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Juan Gio|Villa|nolink=1}}}}

{{football squad player|no=72|nat=USA|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Zavier|Gozo}}}}

{{football squad player|no=77|nat=SCO|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Johnny|Russell|Johnny Russell (footballer)}}}}

{{football squad player|no=91|nat=JAM|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Javain|Brown}}}}

{{football squad player|no=92|nat=GER|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Noel|Caliskan}}}}

{{football squad player|no=98|nat=GRE|pos=DF|name={{sortname|Alexandros|Katranis}}}}

{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=A32035|color=FFFFFF|border=DAA900}}

{{fs start|nonumber=|bg=A32035|color=FFFFFF|border=DAA900}}

{{football squad player|no=27|nat=GHA|pos=FW|name={{sortname|Forster|Ajago}}|other=on loan to Lexington SC}}

{{football squad player|no= |nat=JAM|pos=MF|name={{sortname|Kevon|Lambert}}|other=on loan to Louisville City}}

{{fs end|nonumber=|bg=A32035|color=FFFFFF|border=DAA900}}

{| class="wikitable sortable"

|-

! style="background:#A32035; color:#FFF; border:2px solid #DAA900;" scope="col"|Title

! style="background:#A32035; color:#FFF; border:2px solid #DAA900;" scope="col"|Name

|-

{{Fb cs staff |p=President |s=John Kimball}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Sporting Director/CSO |s=Kurt Schmid}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=General manager |s=Vacant}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant general manager |s=Tony Beltran}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Club Operations |s=Jason Kreis}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Head coach |s=Pablo Mastroeni}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant coach |s=Jámison Olave}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant coach |s=Anthony Pulis}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant coach |s=Nate Miller}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Goalkeeping coach |s=Mirza Harambašić}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Performance Coach |s=Sean Buckley}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Director of video analysis |s=Rob Rogers}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Director of athletic performance |s=Theron Enns}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Director of team administration |s=Chase Rusden}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Team administrator |s=Rory James}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Player care manager |s=Christian Peters}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Head athletic trainer |s=Jacob Joachim}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Assistant athletic trainer |s=Luke Cantin}}

{{Fb cs staff |p=Equipment manager |s=Benjamin Chavez}}

{{Fb cs footer|u=January 6, 2024|s=[https://www.rsl.com/club/coaches Real Salt Lake]|date=January 2018}}

{{main|List of retired numbers in association football}}

Jason Kreis's number 9 was not worn by RSL players after the time of its retirement in 2011. However, in 2019, when the club decided to retire Javier Morales's number 11, Kreis pleaded with the club to recirculate his number 9. As a result, both number 9 and number 11 are still circulated numbers for the club. Kreis and Morales's names and numbers are "retired" and displayed prominently above the player's tunnel on the west concourse of America First Field.{{cite news|last=Jag|first=Julie|title=Jason Kreis asks RSL to unretire his jersey number, and club obliges|url=https://www.sltrib.com/sports/2019/09/26/jason-kreis-asks-rsl/|newspaper=Salt Lake Tribune|date=September 25, 2019|access-date=April 10, 2021}}

• Dave Checketts (2005–2013)
• Del Loy Hansen (2009–2020)
• MLS (2021)
• Ryan Smith (2022–2025)
• David Blitzer (2022–present)
• Gail Miller (2025-present)

• Includes MLS regular Season, MLS Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions League, Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and Leagues Cup.

{{updated|April 25, 2025}}

{{Main|List of Real Salt Lake seasons}}

This is a partial list of the last five seasons completed by RSL. For the full season-by-season history, see List of Real Salt Lake seasons.

{{note|1}}1. Avg. attendance include statistics from league matches only.

{{note|2}}2. Top goalscorer(s) includes all goals scored in League, MLS Cup Playoffs, U.S. Open Cup, MLS is Back Tournament, CONCACAF Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and other competitive continental matches.

{{See also|MLS performance in Champions League}}

• Did not qualify for Champions League tournament in years not listed

{{updated|April 25, 2025}}

• Win %- Number of wins divided by number of games played (ties count as half a win)
• Games decided by a PK Shoot out counted as win or loss not Draw.

{{updated|April 25, 2025}}

• Fewest goals allowed: 20Record was set in the 2010 season. (previous record 23, Houston 2007)
• Overall goal difference: +25 (previous record +22, San Jose 2005 and D.C. United 2007)
• Home goal difference: +24 (previous record +23, Real Salt Lake 2009)
• Total home points (30-game season): 37 (previous record 35, Columbus 2009)
• Fewest home losses: 0 (equals previous record set by San Jose in 2005)
• Fewest home goals allowed: 7 (previous record 8, Colorado 2004){{cite web|author=Randy Davis |url=http://www.realsaltlake.com/news/2010/12/numbers-behind-rsls-record-setting-season |title=The numbers behind RSL's record-setting season |publisher=Real Salt Lake |date=December 19, 2010 |access-date=December 3, 2011}}

{{see also|Real Monarchs|Utah Royals FC|Real Salt Lake Women}}

The reserve team of Real Salt Lake, named Real Monarchs SLC, was created on September 10, 2014, as a bridge between the club's academy program and the first level team. The team began play in the Western Conference of the United Soccer League during the 2015 season, playing their home games at Rio Tinto Stadium along with their parent team. Starting in 2018, the Monarchs will move to Zions Bank Stadium, a 5,000-seat facility located at RSL's new training center in Herriman.{{cite press release|url=https://www.rsl.com/post/2017/05/24/zions-bank-real-academy-new-home-real-salt-lake-development-pyramid |title=Zions Bank Real Academy new home for Real Salt Lake development pyramid |publisher=Real Salt Lake |date=May 24, 2017 |access-date=December 19, 2017}}

A women's soccer team, called Real Salt Lake Women, was founded in 2008. The team is currently a member of the Western Division of United Women's Soccer, the second tier of women's soccer in the United States and Canada, and plays its home games at Ute Field, on the campus of the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

Real Salt Lake added a second women's team, this one in the top-level National Women's Soccer League, in November 2017.{{cite press release|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/11/16/real-salt-lake-field-nwsl-team-starting-2018 |title=Real Salt Lake to field NWSL team starting in 2018 |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=December 19, 2017}} This team effectively replaced FC Kansas City in the NWSL, as FC Kansas City soon folded and all of its player contracts were assigned to the new RSL franchise.{{cite news|url=http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mls/fc-kansas-city/article185611053.html |title=FC Kansas City women's soccer team folds, NWSL sends players to Salt Lake City |first=Maria |last=Torres |newspaper=The Kansas City Star |date=November 20, 2017 |access-date=December 19, 2017}} Shortly thereafter, the new team, which will share Rio Tinto Stadium, was unveiled as Utah Royals FC.{{cite press release|url=https://www.rsl.com/post/2017/12/01/utah-royals-fc-unveils-name-identity-2018-nwsl-season |title=Utah Royals FC unveils name, identity for 2018 NWSL season |publisher=Real Salt Lake |date=December 1, 2017 |access-date=December 19, 2017}}

• Players in Bold are still active
• Only regular season matches played with Real Salt Lake counted towards all-time records. Stats from MLS play-offs, U.S. Open Cup, Super Liga and CONCACAF Champions league are not included.
• {{updated|December 11, 2024|{{cite web|title=Player Registry – MLS|url=http://www.rsl.com/player-registry/mls|publisher=Real Salt Lake|access-date=August 24, 2017}}}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

• Only regular season matches played with Real Salt Lake counted towards records.
• Players in bold currently play for Real Salt Lake.

{{updated|September 29, 2024|{{cite web|title=Major League Soccer Season Statistics – Real Salt Lake|url=http://www.rsl.com/stats/season|publisher=Real Salt Lake|access-date=September 2, 2017}}}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-2}}

{{col-end}}

File:Kylebeckerman5a.JPG]]

Players in bold currently play for Real Salt Lake.

The following awards were given to Real Salt Lake players by Major League Soccer in the season indicated:

• The annual season-ending award winners are decided based on voting by RSL players.{{cite web|title=Real Salt Lake Announces 2017 Award Winners|url=https://www.rsl.com/post/2017/10/23/real-salt-lake-announces-2017-award-winners|publisher=rsl.com|access-date=October 25, 2017}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{{col-end}}

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{commons category}}

{{Portal|Utah}}

• {{official website}}

{{Real Salt Lake}}

{{Navboxes

|titlestyle = background:#A32035; color:#FFFFFF; {{box-shadow border|a|#DAA900|2px}}

|list1 =

{{Real Salt Lake squad}}

{{Real Salt Lake managers}}

{{Real Salt Lake matches}}

{{Major League Soccer}}

{{MLS Cup Winners}}

{{MLS Conference Champions}}

{{Utah Sports}}

{{Salt Lake City}}

{{David Blitzer}}

}}

{{Portal bar|Association football|United States}}

Category:2004 establishments in Utah

Category:Association football clubs established in 2004

Category:Major League Soccer teams

Category:Private equity portfolio companies

Category:Professional sports teams in Utah

Category:Soccer clubs in Salt Lake City

Category:2022 mergers and acquisitions

Category:David Blitzer