MLS Commissioner Don Garber today spoke about the future of the Crew, saying, “No league, certainly no commissioner, wants to move a team, but you’ve got to deal with what you need to do to ensure that you have the healthiest possible league so that you can continue to drive opportunity for our fans and opportunity for our owners and all of our partners.” Speaking at the Dealmakers in Sports conference, Garber said, “In Columbus, we’ve been struggling in a wide variety of metrics that matter … and that’s been a problem for us for a long time.” Garber said that investments in the team, as well as in marketing and branding, have not delivered for Owner Anthony Precourt (Ian Thomas, Staff Writer).
Meanwhile, Columbus officials "suggested two public parks" to the Crew as "site options for a new stadium as they try to find ways to keep the team from moving" to Austin. Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus Partnership CEO Alex Fischer sent a letter "restating offers made over several meetings and calls since September." Redeveloping the state fairgrounds where Mapfre Stadium sits "also was mentioned." The letter states all of the options would include turning the "surrounding area into an entertainment district." The letter also offers to help the Crew to "line up local sponsors" (DISPATCH.com, 11/29).
