Sat Apr 26 18:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Browns and Predators Owner Haslam Eyes Future Leadership in NFL and MLS

**Cleveland, OH** – Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns and the Columbus Crew, has publicly voiced his keen interest in the succession plans for both NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and MLS Commissioner Don Garber. Speaking at the CAA World Congress of Sports alongside his brother, Nashville Predators owner Bill Haslam, Jimmy emphasized the crucial role of leadership and partnership in maintaining the value and success of professional sports leagues.

“The value of these teams, and how you protect and enhance that value, is something we all work on together,” Jimmy Haslam stated. He stressed the importance of carefully selecting future commissioners and ensuring the addition of strong, collaborative partners within the leagues. Both Goodell and Garber are currently under contract until 2027, but Haslam’s comments highlight the proactive approach owners are taking regarding future leadership.

The Haslams also discussed the importance of fan engagement and affordability, noting the need to balance ticket price increases with accessibility for families. “We’re much quicker to raise premium seats than we are seats in the upper deck,” Jimmy Haslam explained, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring affordable options for families. Bill Haslam, the former Governor of Tennessee, added that owning a sports team requires a thick skin, given the constant public scrutiny and diverse opinions of fans. He also noted that his political experience provided valuable preparation for the public facing nature of sports ownership. The brothers’ insights provide a glimpse into the strategic thinking of major sports franchise owners as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the modern sports landscape.

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