Dell Loy Hansen Bio: Age, Wife, Family, Real Salt Lake, Net Worth & Career
Dell Loy Hansen is an American businessman, philanthropist and coin collector. He is the founder and CEO of the Wasatch Group, a multibillion-dollar real-estate investment firm, and was the owner of the Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake until he sold the teams in 2020 amid controversy. His foundation has been recognised for its work helping Ukrainian refugees.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Dell Loy Hansen |
| Nick Name | Dell |
| Profession | Businessman, real-estate developer, former sports owner |
| Birth Date | 1951 or 1952 (approx.) |
| Age | 73–74 years |
| Birth Place | Salina, Utah, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Founder of the Wasatch Group; former owner of Real Salt Lake |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Not publicly disclosed |
| Height | Not publicly disclosed |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Colour | Grey |
| Eye Colour | Not publicly disclosed |
| Qualification | BS, Utah State University (1982) |
| Religion | Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Julie Aiken Hansen (current) |
| Children | Several, including six daughters from his first marriage |
| Family Tree | Father Delbert Hansen (Navy veteran); mother a schoolteacher |
| Hobbies | Coin collecting, family, philanthropy |
| Current Work | CEO, Wasatch Group |
| Years Active | 1982–present |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 billion+ |
Related Names: Dave Checketts, Julie Aiken Hansen, Michael Eisner, and other figures connected to Real Salt Lake and Utah real estate.
Early Life & Education
Dell Loy Hansen was born in Salina, Utah, in 1951 or 1952, and was raised in Utah’s Cache Valley. His father, Delbert, was a US Navy veteran of World War II who later worked for the Soil Conservation Service, and his mother was a schoolteacher. He credits his parents with instilling his strong work ethic.
Hansen graduated from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in political science. As a young man he also served as a missionary in Spain for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Career Journey
Home Building & the Birth of the Wasatch Group
Hansen began as a home builder, constructing 1,200 modular homes before the savings-and-loan crisis of 1988 sank the business. Seeing a bargain, he founded the Wasatch Group in 1988, buying government-seized real estate from the Resolution Trust Corporation and expanding into commercial offices and apartments.
Building a Multibillion-Dollar Empire
By 2002 Hansen was involved in 17 venture-capital firms. His Wasatch portfolio grew to include landmark Salt Lake City buildings such as the Wells Fargo Center, along with thousands of apartment units and millions of square feet of commercial space across the western United States. He also owns Broadway Media, which operates several Utah radio stations.
Owning Real Salt Lake (2009–2020)
Hansen bought a minority stake in Real Salt Lake in 2009, increased it to 62% in 2012, and took full control in 2013 by buying out Dave Checketts. He also built a 5,000-seat training facility in Herriman and brought a professional women’s soccer team to the Salt Lake Valley. In August 2020, after allegations of racism and a #DLHOUT fan campaign, he announced he would sell the teams.
Career Stats
- Founded Wasatch Group: 1988
- Owned Real Salt Lake: 2009–2020
- Business ventures: 40+ companies
- Real-estate portfolio: Valued in the billions
- Net worth milestone: Passed $1 billion
Personal Life
- Marital status: Married
- Spouse (current): Julie Aiken Hansen
- Children: Several, including six daughters from his first marriage
- Religion: Latter-day Saint
Dating History and Affairs
Hansen and his first wife, Karla Axtell, had eight children, including six daughters. He later married Lynnette Hansen in 1997, a business executive and philanthropist, and he is currently married to Julie Aiken Hansen, with whom he has pursued major philanthropic work.
Controversies
In August 2020, Major League Soccer opened an investigation into allegations of racism and insensitive remarks by Hansen. A social-media campaign using the hashtag #DLHOUT spread among fans, and Hansen apologised and announced he and his wife would sell Real Salt Lake. He said he was “truly sorry” and committed to doing better.
Awards & Achievements
- Built the Wasatch Group into a multibillion-dollar real-estate firm
- Owned and expanded Real Salt Lake and its facilities
- His foundation supports Ukrainian refugees
- Recognised for philanthropy in education and health care
Physical Statistics
- Height: Not publicly disclosed
- Weight: Not publicly disclosed
- Hair Colour: Grey
- Eye Colour: Not publicly disclosed
Quotes
“I recognize that at times I have spoken too quickly, without pausing to consider the feelings or good intentions of others. This is not acceptable, and I assume full responsibility.”
— Dell Loy Hansen, 2020 statement
Favorites
- Favourite Pastime: Time with grandchildren
- Favourite Sport: Soccer
- Hobby: Coin collecting
Earnings
Dell Loy Hansen’s net worth is estimated at more than $1 billion. His wealth comes from the Wasatch Group’s real-estate investments, dozens of other business ventures and the 2020 sale of his soccer teams. His roughly 40 business ventures have been valued at more than $4 billion.
Interesting Facts
- When he joined Real Salt Lake he twice misstated the team’s name as “Salt Lake Real.”
- He owns the Wells Fargo Center in Salt Lake City.
- He is a lifelong coin collector and philanthropist.
- His foundation helped Ukrainian refugees after the 2022 invasion.
Did You Know Already?
- He founded the Wasatch Group during the savings-and-loan crisis.
- He brought a professional women’s soccer team to Utah.
- He sold Real Salt Lake in 2020 after a fan backlash.
Social Media Links
- Company Website: wasatchgroup.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dell Loy Hansen?
Dell Loy Hansen is an American businessman, the founder and CEO of the Wasatch Group, and the former owner of the MLS club Real Salt Lake.
How old is Dell Loy Hansen?
He was born in 1951 or 1952, making him about 73–74 years old.
Why did Dell Loy Hansen sell Real Salt Lake?
He sold the teams in 2020 after allegations of racism and a fan campaign, saying he wanted new ownership and a refreshed vision.
What is Dell Loy Hansen’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at more than $1 billion.
Who is Dell Loy Hansen’s wife?
He is currently married to Julie Aiken Hansen, with whom he does extensive philanthropy.
Conclusion
Dell Loy Hansen built one of the West’s largest private real-estate empires and left a complicated legacy in Utah soccer. Today he focuses on business and philanthropy with his wife, Julie.
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