Manchester City have teamed up with one of the biggest global sporting brands, the New York Yankees, to former a new Major League Soccer club.
New York City Football Club (NYCFC) is expected to be up-and-running by 2015, and will become the league’s 20th team, as well as becoming the Big Apple’s second football side, after the Red Bulls.
City confirmed they will be the majority stakeholder in NYC, while the Yankees, who will host a friendly match between the Premier Leeague runners-up and Chelsea this coming weekend, will operate as an investor.
Manchester City chief executive Ferran Soriano confirmed NYC will play in their own ground when suitable land is found, but will look to explore all options before then.
“New York City FC will have a permanent home in the City in the great traditions of New York sports and world soccer – a home that must be a sports, commercial and civic success,” Soriano said.
“But in considering any stadium site, we will listen first. This is what we have always done in Manchester and what we will do in New York. Only in this way, can the club truly represent the city whose name it will carry.”
New York has a long football history, hosting the Republic of Ireland’s famous win against Italy in the 1994 World Cup, and is home to the famous Cosmos, who currently employ Manchester United legend Eric Cantona.
The Yankees, who made tentative arrangements for a similar deal with Manchester United 12 years ago, are delighted by the tie-up.
“We look forward to the opportunity to work with Manchester City to create something very special for the soccer fans of New York,” said Hal Steinbrenner, managing general partner.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber insisted a second New York team will be a great addition to the-ever growing North American league, particularly with links to two huge sporting organisations.
“We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer,” said Garber.
Image courtesy of StuartJCooke1, via YouTube, with thanks
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