Major League Soccer and Columbus Crew SC owner Anthony Precourt's company are asking a judge to dismiss the city and state's lawsuit attempting to block the team's planned moved to Texas.
The lawsuit cites the so-called "Art Modell" law prohibiting prohibits sports teams that have received public subsidies from moving unless the teams provide six months advance notice, and allows interested local parties an opportunity to buy the team. The two parties say the law is unconstitutional and does not apply to Precourt's company, Precourt Sports Ventures. The city attorney's office disagrees and says it will respond in court. The Ohio Attorney General's office says the law does apply and is constitutional. MLS officials met last month with potential local buyers and reviewed possible stadium sites with the Columbus Partnership. MLS officials won't identify the local suitors, but say the meeting was productive.