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Tim Bezbatchenko appointed Haslam Global Soccer President

5/23/2026

22 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Bezbatchenko Leads Soccer

Haslam Sports Group appointed Tim Bezbatchenko President of Global Soccer to oversee Columbus NWSL 2028, the Columbus Crew and investments.
He will begin after leaving his Knight Football Club presidency, bringing 17 years of experience and reporting to Dee and Jimmy Haslam.
From Jan 2019 to Jun 2024 he was Crew President and GM, guiding the team to MLS Cups in 2020 and 2023 and preparing to head NWSL 2028 staff, roster and GM/coach search.

Summary

Culebro Leads Expansion

The 2028 NWSL expansion will raise the league to 18 teams, adding Columbus and Atlanta franchises.
Atlanta United appointed Mauricio Culebro as president of soccer to run both its MLS side and the new NWSL team, mirroring Columbus' dual-team leadership.
Haslam Sports Group said the expansion is a long-term investment to advance soccer in Central Ohio and nationwide, aiming to unite communities through sport.

Summary

Courtois Leads Win

Assistant coach Laurent Courtois led Columbus Crew to a win in his first match as interim head coach.
President Tim Bezbatchenko, a Westerville native whose family held season tickets since the 1996 inaugural season, previously ran Black Knight Football Club, which operates five European clubs.
The Crew will host Atlanta United at Lower.com Field on Sunday at 5 p.m.

History

Historical Context

MLS was created in 1993 to satisfy FIFA’s requirement for a Division 1 league before the 1994 World Cup. The league began play in April 1996 with ten clubs, including D.C. United and the Columbus Crew, and held its first match on April 6, 1996. That cautious launch, built on soccer-specific stadiums, set the foundation for the league’s expansion to 30 teams by 2025.

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Bezbatchenko Leads Soccer

Haslam Sports Group appointed Tim Bezbatchenko President of Global Soccer to oversee Columbus NWSL 2028, the Columbus Crew and investments.
He will begin after leaving his Knight Football Club presidency, bringing 17 years of experience and reporting to Dee and Jimmy Haslam.
From Jan 2019 to Jun 2024 he was Crew President and GM, guiding the team to MLS Cups in 2020 and 2023 and preparing to head NWSL 2028 staff, roster and GM/coach search.

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