MLS team Columbus Crew SC could move to Austin
Fans of Columbus Crew SC cheer before the 2015 MLS Cup between the Columbus Crew SC and the Portland Timbers on December 6, 2015 at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
In a statement on the Major League Soccer team Columbus Crew SC's official website, the owner of the team says it is exploring options if a new stadium isn't built and is considering moving the team to Austin.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM COLUMBUS CREW SC OWNER ON POSSIBLE AUSTIN MOVE
Chief Executive Officer of Precourt Sports Ventures and Chairman of the Columbus Crew SC Anthony Precourt said in the statement, "Despite our investments and efforts, the current course is not sustainable."
Precourt says he is considering Austin because it's "the largest metropolitan area in North America without a major league sports franchise. Soccer is the world’s game, and with Austin’s growing presence as an international city, combined with its strong multicultural foundation, MLS in Austin could be an ideal fit."
Precourt does add that the a major component of the plan is a stadium and without an MLS approved site he says "the Austin move would not be viable."
Austin Mayor Steve Adler spoke about the possibility of the team coming to Austin on Good Day Austin.
INTERVIEW WITH MAYOR STEVE ADLER
The Ohio soccer team was the first charter granted in Major League Soccer in 1996.