Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise the Columbus Crew have been purchased by investment and management firm Precourt Sports Ventures (PSV), reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. The firm, headed by Anthony Precourt, who becomes the new Columbus Crew chairman, acquired the team's operating rights from Hunt Sports Group (HSG), which had owned the team since their inception in 1996.

The agreement means HSG now only owns one MLS team, FC Dallas, having previously owned three; the Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City and the Dallas franchise.

The financial terms of the takeover were not announced. However, it is likely to have a multi-million dollar value.

"Precourt Sports Ventures, LLC is honoured to become the new investor-operator of the Columbus Crew and thrilled to become a partner in Major League Soccer," said Anthony Precourt, the managing partner of PSV.

"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, the chairman of Hunt Sports Group, added: "Today is a very exciting day for the Crew, the Crew supporters, the City of Columbus and Major League Soccer. 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."