Columbus-based insurance company Nationwide has officially become a minority owner in the Crew.
On May 29 The Dispatch confirmed that Haslam Sports Group was selling a 37% stake in the four-time MLS Cup champions. A report from Sportico stated that 30% came out of the Haslams’ stake, and the remaining 7% came from the Edwards family, leaving Haslam Sports Group as the majority owners with a 40% stake.
The Crew’s announcement of the agreement on June 25 had no specifics on Nationwide’s stake, expressing only that the insurance company is getting a “meaningful minority stake.”
“Nationwide is a cornerstone institution that’s consistently shown an exceptional commitment to Columbus,” Crew owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “Kirt Walker and Nationwide leadership share our vision for the Crew and Columbus NWSL 2028 of consistently competing on the pitch, creating incredible fan experiences and serving as leaders in our local community.”
Haslam Sports Group and Nationwide are part of the ownership group awarded the 18th NWSL franchise, set to begin playing in Columbus in 2028.
In 2021, Nationwide became the Crew’s official jersey sponsor and has been featured on each uniform since.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Nationwide officially joins Columbus Crew ownership group
Reporting by Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brianna Mac Kay, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
