The air crackled with a different kind of energy at the Utah Royals’ kit launch event last Thursday. It wasn’t just the unveiling of the new jerseys, a sleek blend of crimson and navy, but the palpable sense of something finally clicking into place. Michelle Smith, president of Miller Sports + Entertainment, stood before the crowd, her voice thick with emotion as she spoke about the team’s place in Utah’s burgeoning sports landscape. It was a moment that went “Beyond the headlines” of a state chasing an MLB franchise and a second Winter Olympics, revealing a deeper story about how women’s sports are being redefined – and valued – in a way that feels genuinely new.
Utah is being touted as a “sports boomtown,” as recently highlighted by The Athletic, and the narrative understandably centers on big-ticket items like baseball and the 2034 Olympics. But Smith’s impassioned defense of the Royals – she literally “raised her hand” to advocate for keeping the team during a potential sale – signals a shift in priorities. It’s not simply about adding another professional team to the roster; it’s about recognizing the cultural and community power of women’s sports, and integrating it fully into the state’s athletic identity. This isn’t a consolation prize; Smith believes the Royals “fit in right at the top” of Utah’s sports boom. The fact that she feels comfortable saying so publicly, and with such conviction, is significant.
This article draws on reporting from Yahoo Sports.
The Royals’ journey to this point has been anything but smooth. The original iteration, brought to Utah by Dell Loy Hansen in 2017, boasted star power with players like Christen Press, Kelley O’Hara, and Becky Sauerbrunn, but never found consistent success on the field. Hansen’s subsequent sale of the team in 2020, and its relocation back to Kansas City, left a void. The 2024 relaunch as an expansion club, purchased by David Blitzer and Ryan Smith, felt like a fresh start, but came with the daunting task of building a team from scratch. The initial season was rocky, culminating in a mid-season coaching change. The NWSL is a notoriously competitive league – expansion teams typically face an uphill battle, and the 2024 Royals were no exception. They finished with a record of 5-11-6, a clear indication of the challenges ahead.
But the recent acquisition by the Larry H. Miller Company, with Steve Miller now chairing the board, appears to be a turning point. The difference, according to veteran player Kate Del Fava – the only player to have been with both versions of the Royals – is profound. “This time around, it just really feels like it’s one club, it’s one Utah, it’s one community,” she said. Del Fava’s words aren’t just about better facilities or increased funding (though those are certainly part of it). They speak to a fundamental shift in how the Royals are perceived and supported. The Miller Company’s track record with the Utah Jazz demonstrates a commitment to long-term investment and community engagement, and that ethos is now extending to the women’s team. This is a stark contrast to the previous ownership structures, where the women’s team often felt like an afterthought.
The impact of this shift is already being felt by the players. Captain Paige Monaghan highlighted the improved infrastructure and resources available to the team, comparing it favorably to her college experience. “Now, we have this infrastructure where I can do everything I can to be the best I can be, and I have the resources to do that,” she explained. This isn’t just about individual player development; it’s about creating a professional environment where athletes can thrive, both on and off the field. Michelle Smith’s visible emotion at the kit launch wasn’t just about pride in the team; it was about recognizing the responsibility that comes with providing that kind of support. She wants to create a culture where players feel “valued and they’re seen and they’re respected.”
What’s happening in Utah isn’t simply a local story. It’s a microcosm of a larger trend: the growing recognition of the economic and cultural value of women’s sports. The NWSL is experiencing unprecedented growth, with attendance and viewership numbers steadily climbing. But sustained success requires more than just fan support; it demands consistent investment from ownership groups and a commitment to creating a professional and equitable environment for athletes. Utah, under the leadership of the Larry H. Miller Company, is positioning itself as a leader in this movement. The question now is whether other markets will follow suit, and whether the momentum behind women’s sports will continue to build, ultimately reshaping the landscape of professional athletics. Will Utah’s model – fully integrating a women’s team into a broader, well-established sports ecosystem – become the blueprint for success across the country?
