Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Haslam Sports Group (“HSG”) together with Drs. Pete and Chris Edwards (“Edwards”) collectively own the entity that is the investor operator of the Columbus Crew Major League Soccer club (the “Crew”), and through the Crew, they have been leaders in advancing soccer and investing community-driven and youth sports initiatives in Central Ohio. Building on the success of the Crew, HSG, Edwards, and NRI Holdings, LLC through NWSL Columbus LLC (together with one or more to be identified affiliates, “NEWCO”) is actively seeking an opportunity to secure a National Women’s Soccer League (the “NWSL”) franchise for Columbus (the “Team”) that would be operated by NEWCO and play its home matches at the ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, located on Franklin County Parcel ID No.010-300553-00 (the “Stadium”). Women’s professional sports are experiencing sustained national growth in participation, viewership, investment, and media visibility, and communities that invest strategically in this emerging sector are increasingly recognized for strengthening economic competitiveness, civic identity, and opportunity for women and girls. NEWCO, the Confluence Community Authority (the “NCA”), the City of Columbus, Ohio (the “City”), and County of Franklin, Ohio (the “County”) will help finance and develop certain facilities required by the NWSL and necessary to secure the Team. The proposed facilities are intended not only to support a NWSL franchise, but also to enhance community assets, expand youth sports opportunities, and generate additional economic activity through construction, team operations, and increased visitation. This ordinance authorizes the City to enter into a Development Agreement with the County, NCA, and NEWCO regarding the financing, development, construction, operation, and occupancy of the certain facilities projects for the Team and the community benefits commitments of NEWCO.
The facilities would include a new state-of-the-art practice facility a...
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