Tim Bezbatchenko named Haslam soccer president

Haslam Sports Group said on Friday that Tim Bezbatchenko is returning to Ohio as president of global soccer, a new role that puts him over the Columbus Crew, the planned Columbus NWSL 2028 team and the group’s future soccer investments. The appointment brings back an executive who helped run the Crew after Haslam Sports Group took over operating rights in 2019. The club said Bezbatchenko will start after the conclusion of his contract as president of Black Knight Football Club. ESPN first reported the move on Friday, citing the team’s release. ### What exactly will Bezbatchenko run? Haslam Sports Group said Bezbatchenko will “oversee all sporting elements” for Columbus NWSL 2028, the Crew and the company’s future domestic and global soccer investments. The release said he will report to chief executive Dee Haslam and chairman Jimmy Haslam, both managing partners of the group. The Crew said Bezbatchenko joins Mary Shepro, the club’s president of business operations, as one of the first executives chosen to set the strategic direction for Columbus’ men’s and women’s professional soccer clubs. (columbuscrew.com) Shepro was elevated to her current role in November 2025. ### Why is his return notable in Columbus? Bezbatchenko was one of Haslam Sports Group’s first hires after the ownership group acquired operating rights to the Crew in 2019. (columbuscrew.com) Columbus Crew said in 2024 that he left to become president of Black Knight Football Club, and the club promoted Issa Tall to general manager at that time. ESPN’s earlier reporting shows Bezbatchenko’s first Columbus stint began with the broader ownership transition that kept the MLS club in Ohio. (columbuscrew.com) Before that, he had been Toronto FC’s vice president of soccer operations and general manager. ### What track record did Haslam cite? The Crew said Bezbatchenko brings more than 17 years of experience in global soccer leadership roles, along with three MLS Cups, one MLS Supporters’ Shield, two Concacaf Champions Cup final appearances and three Canadian Championships. (columbuscrew.com) Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in the release that his leadership helped set the Crew’s path “since Day 1” under Haslam Sports Group. (espn.com) That résumé matters because the new job spans two clubs at different stages. The Crew are an established MLS operation, while the women’s side is still in build-out mode ahead of its launch. The organization has not yet announced a separate sporting head for the NWSL team in the material reviewed. ### How does this connect to the NWSL expansion team? (columbuscrew.com) The National Women’s Soccer League said on April 21, 2026, that it awarded Columbus the league’s 18th franchise. The expansion club is scheduled to begin play in 2028 and will be owned by Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards. ESPN reported in February that the Haslam-led group was exploring an NWSL expansion franchise, and that effort is now moving into the staffing phase with Bezbatchenko’s appointment. (columbuscrew.com) Whitney Haslam Johnson said at the time of the award that the family was “thrilled” to help bring an NWSL team to Columbus. ### What comes next, and when? Bezbatchenko’s start date will come after his Black Knight Football Club contract ends, the Crew said Friday, though the release did not give a specific date. (columbuscrew.com) Columbus’ next major soccer milestone is the 2028 launch of the NWSL expansion team, with Haslam Sports Group, Nationwide and the Edwards family named as owners. (columbuscrew.com) (espn.com)