"You're committing millions of dollars. That's how big things get done," the entrepreneur said, admitting that this is more an investment opportunity for him than a dream to own a soccer team, though he's seen big-time soccer matches in person in Europe and England and saw many telecasts on MSG's network. "Although it doesn't take long to get very passionate about the game," Checketts said. "It's really an exciting game played by very talented athletes."

MLS teams carry 18 active and six development players on their rosters, all of which adds up to about a $2 million per year payroll, Garber said. Top players earn just under $100,000. Garber estimated crowds need to average 15,000.

Checketts said top ticket prices will be in the $20 range, with the cheapest around $8.

Soccer playing in Utah is purportedly the highest per capita involvement in the nation, one reason Garber and Utah Soccer LLC say it can survive in what will be the league's smallest market when it failed in bigger locales.

They both said the league's players make a real effort to become part of the community and go out of their way to be good role models, which should appeal to Utah's family culture.

Checketts said he sees this venture as a way to give back to Utah. "It's time for Salt Lake City to have another major league team, and we're that team," he said. He added that Utahns like big-league status but will expect winning and an all-around pleasant experience. He plans to provide that before asking the community for its all-out support.

"I remember this with the Jazz, too, it always used to drive me crazy when people would say, 'You've got to support the Jazz because we're lucky to have an NBA team so the community should support the team.'

"That's not how this works. The team better give the community something to come for. We have to put a winning club on the field, we have to have stars, it has to be compelling, the game entertainment has to be exciting, it has to be a fun place to be — it has to be the place to be.

"And if we do all that, then people will watch, businesses will sponsor, ratings will be great and we will have a franchise," Checketts said, one official day into the process.

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E-mail: lham@desnews.com