The Fight for Major League Soccer in Austin: A Case Study in Community and Ownership

In a significant event for Major League Soccer (MLS), the potential relocation of the Columbus Crew to Austin, Texas, sparked a community-driven response that highlighted the complexities of sports ownership and local loyalty. Congressman Greg Casar, alongside Senator Bernie Sanders, discussed this issue during a rally in Tucson, Arizona, part of their "Fighting Oligarchy" tour. The situation arose when the Crew's owner, a managing partner of a private-equity firm, indicated plans to move the team to Austin, which was met with resistance from Crew supporters in Ohio.

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The Crew's supporters invoked a 1996 Ohio law designed to protect local teams from sudden relocations. This law mandates that any owner of a professional sports team that plays most of its home games in a publicly financed stadium must provide at least six months' notice before relocating. During this notice period, local groups are given the opportunity to purchase the team. This legal framework was established in response to past incidents, such as the relocation of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, which left a lasting impact on local fans.

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Despite the Crew's owner's intentions, the community's efforts were successful. An Ohio family, who owns the Browns, intervened and helped keep the Crew in Columbus. Subsequently, MLS awarded Austin an expansion franchise, leading to the establishment of the Austin Football Club. Congressman Casar viewed this outcome as a victory for community interests, as the new club negotiated a deal for a privately financed stadium on public land, which he believed was more favorable for local residents than the terms that might have been demanded by the Crew's owner.

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Casar's experience reflects a broader sentiment among fans and local leaders regarding the importance of community in professional sports. He expressed empathy for Crew supporters, recalling his own childhood disappointment when the Houston Oilers relocated to Tennessee. This personal connection underscores the emotional stakes involved in sports team relocations and the desire for communities to maintain their local franchises.

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Casar articulated his belief that the outcome was not only beneficial but also just, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in sports ownership decisions. He stated, “The new Austin Football Club made a deal with the city for a privately financed stadium on public land, which was better for residents than what the owner of the Crew would likely have demanded.”

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While the outcome was celebrated by many in Austin, there are dissenting views regarding the implications of private equity in sports ownership. Critics argue that such ownership structures prioritize profit over community interests, potentially leading to future conflicts similar to the Crew's attempted relocation.

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The establishment of the Austin Football Club marks a new chapter for professional sports in the city, which was previously the largest metropolitan area in the United States without a major league team. As the club prepares for its inaugural season, the focus will be on fostering community support and ensuring that the interests of local fans remain at the forefront of its operations.

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