MLS Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake Names John Kimball Club President

Published on February 11, 2022 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


SANDY, UT - Real Salt Lake today announced that John Kimball has signed a new multi-year contract with the Club, formally establishing him has club president. Kimball previously served as Interim President and oversaw the transition of club ownership. Since returning to RSL in September, 2020, Utah native Kimball stabilized the franchise and its compendium of teams and facilities, working with Major League Soccer to ultimately transition Real Salt Lake to new ownership under David Blitzer and Smith Entertainment Group, led by Ryan Smith.

"We very much want to acknowledge the phenomenal job done over the last year-plus by John Kimball and the entire staff, as this team of people are obviously committed every day to building a world-class organization, winning championships, investing in the growth and success of the sport at all levels," noted David Blitzer.

"John has demonstrated great leadership while running the Club and we're excited to make his appointment as president official. RSL is an amazing asset to our community and with a strong team on the pitch and a loyal and passionate fan base, we know the Club is in a great position to continue to thrive," said Ryan Smith.

During the 2021 MLS season as a league-operated entity, Kimball was critical to Real Salt Lake's growth in ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and community relations. Currently, new season ticket sales for the highly-anticipated 2022 RSL season are exceeding 2019 pre-pandemic levels heading into the Club's March 5 home opener (Rio Tinto Stadium, 4:00 p.m. MT kickoff vs. Seattle; tickets at www.RSL.com).

Real Salt Lake sold out every one of its limited-capacity home games last year, while also hosting fellow MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps FC for nearly four months due to Covid-19 necessities. During 2021, RSL was able to attract 19,000+ fans to a United States Men's National Team friendly, as well as 18,000+ for a Club América (Liga MX) exhibition.

"It's such an honor to work with this Club, it's amazing fans and our new ownership to carry on the incredible legacy of Real Salt Lake," said Kimball, an original RSL employee when the Club was established back in late 2004. "When MLS Commissioner Don Garber introduced David Blitzer and Ryan Smith's Smith Entertainment Group as new RSL ownership, we witnessed the immense amount of pride regarding our place in Utah's sports landscape. We know we are just scratching the surface of what we can accomplish, how we can motivate, and our place in various local, national and international soccer and corporate communities."

Kimball, 55, has previously worked with KSL radio and television, Real Salt Lake, ESPN 700 AM and various Utah Jazz properties - including the Tour of Utah - under the Larry H. Miller group of companies. At the time of his return to RSL amid the pandemic, Kimball served as the President of Vivint Arena in downtown Salt Lake City, home to the Utah Jazz (NBA) and numerous sports and entertainment events.

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