COLUMBUS, Ohio (WTVN)--A new sponsorship deal announced by Columbus Crew is giving hope to the "Save The Crew" movement.
The team announced a multi-year sponsorship deal with Columbia Gas of Ohio Tuesday, with their financial commitment to the team increasing in 2019 and 2020, if the team stays in Columbus.
Crew SC Owner Anthony Precourt is considering moving the team to Austin, Texas following the 2018 MLS season. He has asked for the city and local business leaders to come up with a plan for a new soccer-specific stadium in downtown Columbus.
Since the news broke in October, fans and city officials alike have been trying to negotiate with Precourt on a new stadium, with local investors also offering to buy a share of them to keep it in Columbus.
Precourt has not yet finalized the plans for the Crew past the 2018 season.