Expansion team possible if Crew leaves

A Nov. 15 meeting in New York involving MLS commissioner Don Garber, Crew SC investor-operator Anthony Precourt, Columbus Partnership CEO Alex Fischer and Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther ended with all parties expressing some sort of frustration.

Precourt Sports Ventures described a lack of a clear plan from the Columbus group and communications breaking off following the meeting. Fischer and Ginther noted their disappointment in what they perceived as a lack of commitment from MLS and Precourt Sports Ventures to remaining in Columbus.

During the course of that meeting, another option for Columbus’ future was discussed. A source confirmed to The Dispatch on Monday that expansion, in the event the Crew relocates to Austin, Texas, after next season, was presented as an option to the Columbus group.

Precourt Sports Ventures deferred comment to MLS, which did not respond to a request for comment Monday.

Twelve cities submitted applications for four expansion slots in February. Two of those expansion teams are expected to be announced Dec. 18 or 19, will pay expansion fees of $150 million each and are expected to begin play in 2020. Austin was not one of the 12 cities to submit a bid.

Precourt Sports Ventures announced Oct. 17 that it would consider relocating the Crew to Austin after the 2018 season, citing lack of corporate support, attendance concerns and an aging Mapfre Stadium.

At the time, Garber said in a statement that while the league is reluctant to allow teams to relocate, he supported Precourt Sports Ventures’ efforts to explore options outside of Columbus “provided they find a suitable stadium location.”

Austin City Council passed a resolution Nov. 9 instructing the city manager to examine city-owned sites in Austin that might be suitable for a soccer-specific stadium and MLS practice facility. The city manager’s office is expected to present its findings to council by Dec. 7.