Olympic gold medalist announces ownership stake in NWSL franchise

Olympic gold medalist and skiing superstar Lindsey Vonn can add pro sports owner to her list of accomplishments. 

Vonn announced on Friday via the Utah Royals X account that she will be a part owner of the expansion National Women's Soccer League franchise based out of Salt Lake City. 

The Royals played in the NWSL from 2018 to 2020 before the team ceased operations and became the Kansas City Current in 2021. A new ownership group brought the Royals back in 2023 with play set to begin in 2024. 

"I am, of course, a Utah Royals fan but I wanted to make an announcement that I'm not just a fan, I'm also a part owner," Vonn said. "I'm so excited to be supporting women and especially women in the Utah community. As someone that's been a member of the Utah community for a long time and also helping the Olympic bid for 2034, I'm so excited to have the Utah Royals back in the NWSL." 

The Royals will make their home debut on March 16 against the Chicago Red Stars with former U.S. Women's National Team standout Amy Rodriguez as head coach. Rodriguez won two Olympic gold medals and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup with the USWNT. She also won two NSWL championships as a player with FC Kansas City in 2014 and 2015. 

Vonn, who lives and trains in Utah, is one of the most famous women's downhill skiers, having won four World Cup overall championships and a gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Winter Olympics.