Ownership

SCP WORLDWIDE OVERVIEW

SCP Worldwide is a multi-faceted sport, media and entertainment company run by some of the most successful and recognized executives in the industry. It is dedicated to providing memorable experiences of unparalleled value to fans, partners and investors alike.

Based in New York City, SCP Worldwide is a growing sports, entertainment and media enterprise operated by some of the industry’s most successful executives. The firm is built on a model of selecting undervalued franchises, venues and real estate opportunities and building them into robust business ventures. SCP Worldwide owns a diverse array of properties that include the National Hockey League’s St. Louis Blues, Scottrade Center, famed Kiel Opera House in St. Louis as well as the Blues' AHL affiliate Peoria Rivermen. The company also owns and operates MLS Cup 2009 Champion Real Salt Lake and its home – Rio Tinto Stadium, a soccer-specific facility with related entertainment elements in Sandy, Utah as well as KALL700 Sports Radio in Salt Lake City.

Additionally, the company holds a significant interest in Running Subway, the New York-based live entertainment company which recently opened "Discovery Times Square Exposition" in New York City. Discovery TSX is a 60,000 square foot space where touring exhibits, which previously by-passed NYC, can now come to life. SCP also owns the much heralded Tupelo-Honey Productions, a multi-disciplined, full-service production company. SCP also maintains a relationship with world-renowned soccer franchise, Real Madrid, the 30-time La Liga champion.

History

September 2001 - David W. Checketts forms Sports Capital Partners

July 2004 - Purchase of MLS franchise in Salt Lake City - Real Salt Lake

October 2004 - Invests in entertainment production company Running Subway

April 2005 - Real Salt Lake plays inaugural game

February 2006 - Sports Capital Partners purchases KALL 700AM sports talk radio in Salt Lake City

June 2006 - Finalizes purchase of NHL's St. Louis Blues and the operating leases of Savvis Center and Kiel Opera House

December 2006 - Company renamed to SCP Worldwide

February 2007 - Invests in fantasy sports website RotoHog.com

April 2007 - Acquires herald production company Tupelo-Honey Productions

March 2007 - Purchases exclusive multi-platform media rights for South American 2010 World Cup Qualifying tournament

July 2007 - Formalizes comprehensive partnership with world-renowned Real Madrid

July 2008 - Closes on purchase of St. Louis Blues' American Hockey League affiliate, Peoria Rivermen

October 2008 - Official opening of Rio Tinto Stadium

June 2009 – St. Louis’ Kiel Opera House renovation approved by city aldermen

September 2009 – KALL 700 Sports in Salt Lake named Utah’s ESPN Radio affiliate

November 2009 – Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup in just its fifth season, bringing Utah its first pro championship since 1971

DAVE CHECKETTS

Founder – SCP Worldwide

Chairman – Real Salt Lake / Rio Tinto Stadium

Visionary sports entrepreneur Dave Checketts founded SCP Worldwide (SCP) in September 2001. One of the most heralded sports, media and entertainment executives currently serves as Chairman of this fast growing company.

Under his direction and leadership, SCP has acquired an impressive stable of assets. In October 2008, SCP opened Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, a state-of-the-art mid-sized facility that serves as the permanent home of Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer, a team formed by SCP in June 2004 as the 15-team league’s twelfth entry.  In June 2006, the company acquired the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League, as well as its Scottrade Center home and St. Louis’ historic Kiel Opera House.  In addition, SCP owns sports-talk radio station KALL 700 Sports, also in Salt Lake City, has a controlling interest in Running Subway, an entertainment production company, and in 2008 acquired Tupelo-Honey Productions, a heralded media production company.

The 54-year old Mr. Checketts created his sports media company after a successful ten-year career at Madison Square Garden (MSG).  As President and Chief Executive Officer for seven years, Mr. Checketts oversaw all operations of one of the most powerful sports and entertainment companies globally, including the "World's Most Famous Arena" and its three sports franchises, the New York Knickerbockers of the NBA, the New York Rangers of the NHL, and the New York Liberty of the WNBA – along with the award-winning MSG Network and FOX Sports Network.  In 1997, while at his post, Mr. Checketts took on the ambitious acquisition and comprehensive restoration of New York's historic Radio City Music Hall. Although MSG, under his leadership, was awarded with many accomplishments such as being named Arena of the Year for six straight years, the achievement he takes most pride in is the establishment of the MSG "Cheering for Children" foundation, which created after-school programs for thousands of New York City school children.

Mr. Checketts began his career at Madison Square Garden as President of the New York Knicks in March 1991. In the four seasons he served as President, the team finished twice in first place, made it to the Eastern Conference Finals twice and captured the Eastern Conference Champion Title in 1994. During this time, the team set records in attendance, ratings and revenues, including setting the all-time sellout streak of 460 games at The Garden. Forbes named the Knicks the most valuable franchise in the NBA.

In his role as Governor of the Knicks (NBA), Rangers (NHL) and Liberty (WNBA), Mr. Checketts was instrumental in all three leagues’ development and mission. For the NBA, he was part of both the Planning Committee and the Labor Relations Committee, which included being a lead negotiator in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in 1999. For the WNBA, he was one of the founding partners and served on the League's Operating Committee.

Prior to joining the Knicks, Mr. Checketts spent one year as General Manager of NBA International, working with NBA Commissioner David Stern on building a presence for the league in broadcasting and licensing around the world.

In 1983, Mr. Checketts was named President and General Manager of the Utah Jazz. At 28 years old, he became the youngest chief executive in the history of the NBA. During his six-year tenure, the team captured two Midwest Division titles and enjoyed a multi-million dollar economic turnaround.

Mr. Checketts matriculated as an undergraduate at the University of Utah and earned his MBA from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1981, where he graduated with top honors. Upon completion of his studies, he joined the Boston-based consulting firm, Bain & Company.  Mr. Checketts serves on the Board of Directors of JetBlue Airways, International Management Group (IMG) and Republic Mortgage. He plays an active role with each company, serving as the Chairman, Compensation Committee for JetBlue.

He resides in Connecticut with his wife Deb. They have six children and four grandchildren.

DELL LOY HANSEN

Co-Owner & Vice-Chairman, Real Salt Lake/Rio Tinto Stadium

On November 18, 2009, just four days prior to the crowning achievement of the organization’s first five seasons, Utah entrepreneur and Real Estate developer Dell Loy Hansen purchased a co-ownership stake in SCP Worldwide’s Utah sports properties – Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer (MLS), Rio Tinto Stadium and KALL700 Sports Talk Radio. 

Mr. Hansen serves as Vice Chairman and Alternate Governor for Real Salt Lake and works closely with SCP Worldwide and the RSL management team regarding the direction and strategy of each business unit, as well as the potential real estate development around Rio Tinto Stadium.

“We are delighted to have Dell Loy and his family joining ours,” said Mr. Checketts, who founded Real Salt Lake as Major League Soccer’s 12th team in July, 2004.  “Many other MLS franchises have been fortunate to have added significant partners to their ownership groups in recent years, but what makes this stand out from the others are Dell Loy’s strong local roots and knowledge of the marketplace. For someone with his stature to make a bold statement of support like this speaks volumes to the inroads we have made in this community.    His partnership helps fortify the enterprise and sets us up for long-term success and growth.  I look forward to working closely with Dell Loy and look forward to growing these businesses and deepening their reach into the community together.”

Mr. Hansen, President of Wasatch Property Management, Inc., is a lifelong Utah resident with deep roots in Cache Valley, in the northern part of the state.  His passion to build youth athletic facilities led to the creation of the Sports Academy in North Logan in 1995.   Many truly outstanding swimmers, soccer and tennis players have developed their skills at Sports Academy. “Personal success” is at the root of the Academy experience and reflects   Mr. Hansen’s core values.

Under former Utah Governor Michael Leavitt, Mr. Hansen served nine years on the State’s Board of the Department of Business and Economic Development, including two of those years as Chairman.   During that time he came to appreciate the great business opportunities that exist in Utah.

“I was proud to serve Governor Leavitt in growing our economy,” said Mr. Hansen on that November day at Rio Tinto Stadium, upon his introduction as co-owner.  “Today, the chance to participate in professional soccer with my family is good for my children and our investment allows a more competitive team to play for Utah.”

Mr. Hansen founded Wasatch Property Management, Inc. in 1988 and has served as the company’s President since its inception, with corporate headquarters located in Logan, Utah.  Wasatch currently employs approximately 600 employees, managing 52 multi-family residential communities with approximately 12,000 apartment units, 5 condominium developments, and 20 commercial buildings with 2.4 million of rental square footage throughout the western United States. Wasatch and its affiliated investor-owned entities maintain a real estate portfolio in excess of $1.2 Billion.

Mr. Hansen is also an owner in eight venture companies, with approximately 900 employees located across Utah, Idaho and California. The companies range from a recycling and waste disposal company in Sacramento, California; several sports clubs throughout Utah and Idaho, a plastic injection & molding company, wood milling company and a golf course in Utah;  and one of the largest utility management and billing companies in the United States. These companies reported Revenue of approximately $60 Million in 2008 with projected Revenues in excess of $64 Million in 2009.  

Throughout his pioneering business development career, Mr. Hansen has served on many State and local boards:

  • Chairman of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for the State Of Utah (9 yrs.)
  • Audit Chairman for the Division of Health & Human Services
  • State of Utah’s Judicial Nominating Committee (5 yrs.)
  • State of Utah’s Industrial Assistance Fund (9 yrs.)
  • Transportation Alliance ($4.8 billion transportation infrastructure)
  • Downtown Development for Salt Lake City
  • Western Governor’s University

Mr. Hansen has also been actively involved in various state and local charitable organizations, contributing over $10 million dollars:

  • Utah Symphony & Opera
  • Cache Education Foundation
  • Utah State University Hansen Scholars
  • The Oquirrh Institute (Institute for State Studies)
  • Cache Valley Center for the Arts & Cache Valley Ballet
  • Ellen Eccles Theater & Bullen Center
  • Friends of the North Logan Library
  • George S. Eccles Ice Arena
  • The Dell Loy & Lynnette Hansen Charitable Support Trust
  • Sunshine Terrace Retirement Center
  • Cache Children’s Choir
  • Salt Lake Advocacy & Community Training

Hansen and his wife Lynette reside primarily in Logan, Utah. The Hansen family has 10 children and 15 grandchildren.