Haslam Sports Group (HSG) today announced that Tim Bezbatchenko is returning to Columbus as HSG’s President of Global Soccer and will oversee all sporting elements for Columbus NWSL 2028, the Columbus Crew, and HSG’s future investments in domestic and global soccer.

Bezbatchenko will start following the conclusion of his contract as President of Black Knight Football Club, which is led by American businessman Bill Foley. Bezbatchenko took that position in July 2024, overseeing Black Knight’s properties, which include full ownership of AFC Bournemouth (England) and FC Lorient (France), as well majority stake in Moreirense FC (Portugal).

One of HSG’s first hires when acquiring operating rights to the Crew in 2019, Bezbatchenko will report to HSG Managing Partners Dee and Jimmy Haslam and joins President of Business Operations Mary Shepro as the first executives selected to set the strategic direction of Columbus’ professional men’s and women’s soccer clubs.

“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,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam.

“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.”

“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.” said Bezbatchenko. “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.”

Bezbatchenko will spearhead HSG’s efforts to construct Columbus NWSL 2028’s soccer staff and roster with the mission of consistently competing for championships, including global searches for the Club’s first general manager and head coach.

The Westerville, Ohio native extends his long-standing relationship with Crew General Manager Issa Tall, who served as the Crew’s Assistant General Manager of Player Personnel & Strategy from 2019-2024 and with Toronto FC’s Player Personnel and Scouting department from 2014-2015 when Bezbatchenko led each club’s soccer operations.

Before joining MLS, Bezbatchenko worked as an attorney for Shearman & Sterling LLP in New York in their mergers and acquisition group. He earned degrees with honors from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Leadership Studies (2004) and the University of Cincinnati College of Law (2008).

Bezbatchenko was a two-time NCAA Academic All-American, an All-American for the South Atlantic Region, a First Team All-Conference midfielder and two-year captain for the Richmond Spiders. He played professionally with the United Soccer League’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds (2004-2005), who finished atop the league in 2004.