Full Breakdown
Tim Bezbatchenko Returns to Columbus as Haslam Sports Group President of Global Soccer
5/23/2026, 1:13:43 AM
New Role and Responsibilities
Haslam Sports Group (HSG) announced that Tim Bezbatchenko will serve as its President of Global Soccer. In this capacity he will direct all sporting decisions for the MLS Columbus Crew, the NWSL franchise slated to begin play in 2028, and any future domestic or international soccer investments owned by HSG. He reports to owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam and will work alongside President of Business Operations Mary Shepro and Crew General Manager Issa Tall.
Background: From Crew Success to European Experience
Bezbatchenko joined the Crew in January 2019 as president and general manager, a role he held until June 2024. During his first tenure the club captured MLS Cups in 2020 and 2023, the 2021 Campeones Cup, and reached the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup Final. He left to become president of Black Knight Football Club, a consortium that includes AFC Bournemouth (England), FC Lorient (France), Moreirense FC (Portugal) and formerly Hibernian FC (Scotland). He will return to Columbus after his Black Knight contract ends in mid-2025.
Key Achievements and Statistics
- Experience: > 17 years in senior soccer roles.
- Crew honors under his leadership: 2 MLS Cups, 1 Supporters’ Shield, 2 CONCACAF Champions Cup final appearances, 3 Canadian Championships (via Toronto FC tenure).
- Black Knight club milestones (2024-2026): AFC Bournemouth recorded a club-record 56 points and secured its first Europa League berth; FC Lorient won the 2024-25 Ligue 2 title and finished 9th in Ligue 1 the following season; Moreirense finished 7th in the 2025-26 Liga Portugal.
Official Statements & Responses
In a joint release, Dee and Jimmy Haslam praised Bezbatchenko’s “leadership and dedication” and said his global experience will help launch the NWSL team while supporting the Crew’s technical staff. Bezbatchenko’s own statement emphasized his honor in returning, his gratitude to the Haslam, Johnson and Edwards families, and his commitment to building championship-contending squads in both leagues.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Tim’s leadership and dedication helped set the Crew’s path for success since Day 1 with Haslam Sports Group. We’re excited for him to create the foundation for Columbus NWSL 2028 to compete for championships while also supporting Issa Tall, Marc Nicholls and the entire Crew technical staff,” — Dee and Jimmy Haslam
- “Tim benefitted from expanding his global experience with Black Knight Football over the past two years, and it’s truly special for him and his family to return home as we begin this next era of soccer in Columbus together.” — Dee and Jimmy Haslam
- “It’s incredible to be part of launching an NWSL team and continuing to support the Crew after five-plus remarkable years with the club and as a lifelong fan. I’m honored and grateful that the Haslam, Johnson and Edwards families have trusted me with this opportunity,” — Tim Bezbatchenko
- “This leadership group first inspired me to come back to Columbus in 2019, and they continue to be among the best ownership groups in all of sports with their ambition to compete for trophies and endless pursuit to unify communities through sport.” — Tim Bezbatchenko
- “I also want to thank Bill Foley, Ryan Caswell, everyone at Black Knight Football Club, AFC Bournemouth and our group of clubs for providing me the opportunity to work with multiple teams across Europe at the very highest level of the game.” — Tim Bezbatchenko
Impact on Columbus Soccer and Future Plans
Bezbatchenko’s appointment aligns HSG’s dual-club strategy, aiming to leverage his international network to attract talent and staff for the upcoming NWSL side while sustaining the Crew’s competitive trajectory. The combined leadership is expected to deepen community engagement, expand youth development pathways, and position Columbus as a multi-team soccer hub in the United States.
Timeline of Major Milestones
- Jan 2019: Bezbatchenko hired as Crew president/GM.
- 2020 & 2023: Crew wins MLS Cups.
- 2021: Crew captures Campeones Cup.
- 2024: Crew reaches CONCACAF Champions Cup Final; Bezbatchenko departs for Black Knight (June).
- 2024-2026: Black Knight clubs achieve record points, promotion, and top-half finishes.
- May 22 2026: HSG announces Bezbatchenko’s return as President of Global Soccer.
- 2028: Planned debut of Columbus NWSL franchise.
What’s Next
Bezbatchenko will lead the international search for the NWSL team’s inaugural general manager and head coach, while HSG evaluates further investment opportunities in global soccer. The Crew’s coaching vacancy, created by the recent dismissal of Henrik Rydström, will be addressed under his oversight.
