Westerville native Tim Bezbatchenko was announced Friday as the Haslam Sports Group's president of global soccer.
As president, Bezbatchenko will supervise the Columbus Crew, the new National Women’s Soccer League team which will begin playing in 2028 and other potential future teams under the HSG banner.
Bezbatchenko was one of HSG's first hires after the company gained operating rights to the Crew back in 2019. Under the new deal, he will join President of Business Operations Mary Shepro as the first executives chosen to lead both the Crew and the women's soccer team.
As part of his job, Bezbatchenko will coordinate efforts to establish the Columbus NWSL 2028’s staff and rosters, including international searches for the team's inaugural general manager and head coach.
“It’s incredible to be part of launching an NWSL team and continuing to support the Crew after five-plus remarkable years with the Club and as a lifelong fan. I’m honored and grateful that the Haslam, Johnson and Edwards families have trusted me with this opportunity, alongside their exceptional leaders, coaches, staff and players, as we look to compete for championships across both leagues,” Bezbatchenko said in an issued statement.
Bezbatchenko also said, “This leadership group first inspired me to come back to Columbus in 2019, and they continue to be among the best ownership groups in all of sports with their ambition to compete for trophies and endless pursuit to unify communities through sport. It’s the perfect time for my family to return home, especially knowing firsthand their long-term investment in and commitment to advancing soccer in Central Ohio and across the country."
“Tim’s leadership and dedication helped set the Crew’s path for success since Day 1 with Haslam Sports Group. We’re excited for him to create the foundation for Columbus NWSL 2028 to compete for championships while also supporting Issa Tall, Marc Nicholls and the entire Crew technical staff,” HSG owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a statement. “Tim benefitted from expanding his global experience with Black Knight Football over the past two years, and it’s truly special for him and his family to return home as we begin this next era of soccer in Columbus together.”
Bezbatchenko previously worked as the Crew’s president and general manager for five seasons from January 2019 through June 2024. During that time, he put together the 2020 and 2023 MLS Cup winning squads. The Crew is one of only three clubs with three or more league titles.
He has spent the past two years with the Black Knight Football Club, a multi-club soccer group where he oversees teams from England, France, Portugal and Scotland. He will rejoin the Crew after his current contract with the Black Knight Football Club concludes.
