The Haslams and Edwards will take control of the franchise next week.
The agreement ensures that the Crew will remain in Columbus while the club’s previous owner Anthony Precourt, who attempted to relocate the franchise to Austin, Texas, will receive rights to a new franchise to begin play there in 2021.
“We are extremely grateful for the efforts of the Columbus community, as well as Crew SC fans, to help us efficiently complete and fulfill the requirements and deadlines set by Major League Soccer that will help ensure the success of Crew SC on and off the field,” a statement from the Haslams and Edwards said.
“Throughout our conversations, it’s been overwhelmingly clear that Crew SC belongs in Columbus, and we are thrilled to have reached an agreement in principle to assume an ownership position in Major League Soccer and to operate Columbus Crew SC. As the stewards of Crew SC, we will always be focused on building a championship caliber team that makes the city proud, creating dynamic and memorable fan experiences and deeply engaging the community to make a positive impact.”
The Haslam’s along with Edwards are working with local and state leaders to finalize plans for a brand new $230 million 20,000-seat stadium and development project to be built in the arena district just west of Huntington Park in downtown Columbus.
“After several months of discussions, we are extremely pleased to have reached an agreement in principle with the Haslam and Edwards families for them to assume an ownership position in Major League Soccer and operate Columbus Crew SC starting in January, 2019,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “While we work to finalize the deal promptly, we want to state publicly the tremendous collaboration and community support for Crew SC, which has set the stage for a powerful plan that includes a world-class soccer stadium – a critical step that will help ensure the club’s success on and off the field.
“We appreciate all the diligent work from the Haslam and Edwards Families, the leadership from the Columbus Partnership, the City of Columbus, Franklin County and the State of Ohio, Precourt Sports Ventures, and all of those who have contributed over the past several months to create the elements that will solidify Crew SC’s long-term future as an integral part of the Columbus sports scene.”
Mapfre Stadium, the Crew's home since 1999, will be repurposed as a community sports park and training facility.
In total the new ownership group is investing $645 million in the acquisition of the team, new stadium construction and remodel of the existing stadium. The city of Columbus is investing $50 million in infrastructure as well as the new community sports park while the Franklin County Commission will also provide $50 million in funding.
The lawsuit that was filed against Precourt and Major League Soccer last year was dismissed on Friday paving the way for the completion of the new ownership agreement and transfer of control of the franchise.