SPORTS DIGEST

Haslams to buy Columbus Crew

CLEVELAND

With their NFL franchise in better shape, Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam are tackling soccer.

The Haslams have agreed to take over the Columbus Crew, guaranteeing the Major League Soccer team will not relocate.

Since October, the Haslams have been working with a group headed by former team doctor Peter Edwards to keep the Crew in Ohio while exploring the possibility of buying the team. On Friday, the sides announced an agreement, ending speculation about the team’s uncertain future.

Before the Haslams became involved, there was a strong chance the Crew, one of the MLS’ founding franchises, was moving to Austin, Texas. The MLS is expected to put an expansion team in Austin.