Official release from Columbus Crew
The Columbus Crew and Hunt Sports Group announced today that Precourt Sports Ventures, LLC has acquired the operating rights to the Crew.
Hunt Sports Group has operated the Crew - Major League Soccer's Charter Member - since 1996. Effective immediately, the Black & Gold become part of the privately held investment and management firm's sports and entertainment business enterprise.
"Precourt Sports Ventures, LLC (PSV) is honored to become the new Investor-Operator of the Columbus Crew and thrilled to become a partner in Major League Soccer," said Anthony Precourt, Managing Partner of PSV and the new Chairman of the Crew.
"We have long believed in the ascension of soccer in the American sports-entertainment world, so stepping into a Charter Member of the League is an incredible moment. We thank the Hunt family for having the trust in us to become the Crew's new steward. The Hunt family has done so much for MLS, and the development of the game in Ohio, and for that we thank them."
Clark Hunt, Chairman of Hunt Sports Group, said Precourt will be a strong addition to MLS.
"Today is a very exciting day for the Crew, the Crew supporters, the City of Columbus and Major League Soccer," Hunt said. "Anthony is a bright, passionate, driven leader, and we believe he will be a great fit for Columbus. We are delighted to welcome him as a partner in MLS, and I am confident that he will do an outstanding job with the Crew.
"Although we are very pleased to welcome Anthony to MLS, today is somewhat bittersweet for our family because of how much we love the Crew. On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank the city of Columbus, the state of Ohio, the Crew players, coaches and staff, and most importantly, the Crew supporters for cultivating one of the most iconic clubs in MLS and allowing us to be a part of it."
Hunt Sports Group will continue its active role in Major League Soccer as investor-operator of FC Dallas, Hunt said. Hunt Sports Group was advised by Inner Circle Sports in this transaction.
