Report: MLS's Abbott met with potential local investors for Crew SC

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Apr 19, 2018

Less than two weeks after Columbus mayor Andrew Ginther says there are prospective investors interested in purchasing MLS's Columbus Crew SC and multiple potential downtown stadium locations identified as being suitable for a new soccer stadium, the Columbus Post-Dispatch confirmed that MLS deputy commissioner Mark Abbott and other MLS officials went to Columbus last month to meet with Columbus Partnership CEO Alex Fischer and potential local investors.

Abbott and and Fischer told The Dispatch the meeting included a review of potential local stadium sites. Both described the meeting in positive terms. Abbott said it was "a productive meeting,” while Fischer said there were "very constructive meetings and we intend to continue private conversations." Neither party would get into details.

Ginther's letter to Crew owner Anthony Precourt marked the first statement of local interest since Precourt's Precourt Sports Ventures began actively seeking a site for the team to build a stadium in Austin, Texas.

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and city of Columbus are in litigation with MLS and PSV over the the so-called Modell Rule, which, if applicable, would require PSV to give notice of six months before it can move and local parties the opportunity to purchase the team.