Deal Would Keep Pro Soccer Team In Ohio, Bring New One To Austin

AUSTIN, TEXAS — A curve ball is not something normally associated with soccer, but that's what was thrown this week on Austin's bid to land its first major-league pro sports franchise. On Friday, Major League Soccer officials announced plans to bring a team to the city, but not the one fans had anticipated.

MLS officials are working on a plan to keep the Columbus Crew in Ohio while allowing a new franchise to play in Austin. The league detailed efforts by a group led by Jimmy and Dee Haslam — who own the Cleveland Browns team of the NFL — to keep the Crew in the Ohio city.

While still in the works, the impending deal culminates a year of give-and-take between officials in Ohio and Texas amidst negotiation to achieve a compromise. Austin city officials have negotiated a deal to build a privately financed stadium on municipally owned land in anticipation of landing an MLS team.

“Major League Soccer is excited to move forward in Austin with Precourt Sports Ventures and their vision for Austin FC,” MLS said in a statement. “Regardless of any scenario in Columbus, there is a clear path forward for PSV to operate Austin FC as a Major League Soccer club.

Related story:Austin City Council OKs Deal To Build Major League Soccer Stadium

Ohio's attorney general, Mike DeWine, expressed gratification at the new deal that would allow the Crew to stay in Ohio. Austin will get its own team, although the roster is still unknown.

“I am proud of the work our legal team has done in ensuring Ohio’s laws are followed and the door has been kept open to productive negotiations," DeWine said."Our community has invested in this team and deserves the opportunity to keep the black and gold right here, where they belong. I appreciate the efforts of the Haslam and Edwards families, and the Columbus Partnership for their work, and I will continue pursuing the case in court until there is a final deal."

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