MLS Franchise Columbus Crew Get New Owner

The Columbus Crew, generic one of Major League Soccer’s original franchises, health has been acquired by Precourt Sports Ventures (PSV).

The agreement is effective immediately, pills making the Ohio-based team part of the investment and management firm’s sports and entertainment business enterprise.

The sale, by Hunts Sports Group, is the first time in the franchise’s history that the club has changed hands. During the Crew’s time with the Hunt family, the franchise won an MLS Cup, three Supporters’ Shields and a US Open Cup title. Furthermore the Columbus Crew Stadium, opened in 1999, was the league’s first soccer-specific stadium.

“We have long believed in the ascension of soccer in the American sports-entertainment world, so stepping into a charter member of the league is an incredible moment,” PSV managing partner Anthony Precourt, who will serve as the chairman of the Crew, said in a statement. “We thank the Hunt family for having the trust in us to become the Crew’s new steward. The Hunt family has done so much for MLS, and the development of the game in Ohio, and for that we thank them.”

MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Precourt Sports Ventures as a new MLS owner. During the last several months, I have had the opportunity to get to know Anthony Precourt. I have been very impressed with his approach to business, his passion for the game and his commitment to joining our other owners in continuing to build the league and sport in North America.”

“Although we are very pleased to welcome Anthony to MLS, today is somewhat bittersweet for our family because of how much we love the Crew,” said Clark Hunt, chairman of Hunt Sports Group. “On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank the city of Columbus, the state of Ohio, the Crew players, coaches and staff, and most importantly, the Crew supporters for cultivating one of the most iconic clubs in MLS and allowing us to be a part of it.”