More news of the Crew

Some of the parties interested in the economics of a Major League Soccer team – specifically the Columbus Crew club that may relocate to Austin – could soon get a look at the books. That’s because Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is using a 22-year-old Ohio law that could make it difficult for teams using tax-supported facilities to move without giving six months’ notice and entertaining offers from groups interested in buying the team and keeping them in place. The law was passed after the Cleveland Browns professional football team was moved to Baltimore by owner Art Modell with almost no notice to the city or fans. Ginther said in a recent statement that there are groups in Ohio interested in buying the team and keeping it there, but a full analysis of the Crew’s financial performance is needed before a full partnership or purchase offer can be completed. Precourt Sports Ventures is also being sued by the city of Columbus and the state of Ohio in another move to block the relocation. PSV declined to comment on the lawsuit and request for financials through a public relations representative. Currently, the city of Austin is conducting an analysis of a piece of city-owned property near the Domain to see how suitable it would be for a 20,000-seat stadium for the Crew.