COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has notified the Owner of Columbus Crew SC of the legal ramifications of moving the team to Austin, Texas.
In a letter sent to Anthony Precourt, DeWine cited Ohio Revised Code 9.67, which was passed in 1996 following the move by the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore.
It says no owner of a pro sports team that uses a taxpayer-supported facility can stop playing their games at that site, unless the team enters into an agreement with the local political subdivision to play their home games elsewhere, or they give the subdivision no less than six months notice of the intention to move, and during that time gives the subdivision or other interested parties an opportunity to purchase the team.
DeWine adds that, "The facts reflect that this law applies to the Crew, and my office will enforce its provisions if and as necessary." He goes on to say, "Our hope is that Precourt Sports Ventures will reaffirm a commitment to playing its home games in Columbus."
Precourt has indicated he is considering moving the team to Austin, following the 2018 season.
(photo via Getty Images)