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28 March 2024

Manchester City, NY Yankees launch MLS team

FILE - In this Feb. 24, 2013 file photo, Manchester City's Sergio Aguero, left, celebrates after a goal by teammate Yaya Toure, not shown, during their English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at The Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. The New York Yankees are partnering with Manchester City to own Major League Soccer's 20th team, which will be called New York City Football Club and plans to start play in the 2015 season. (AP)

Published
By Agencies

Manchester City and the New York Yankees are teaming up to launch a new Major League Soccer club in New York City, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said Tuesday.

Garber said the English Premiership club and Major League Baseball's storied franchise had acquired the league's 20th expansion club which will be called New York City Football Club (NYCFC) and is expected to begin play in 2015.

"We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organisations to Major League Soccer," Garber said. "This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country.

"The New York area is home to more than 19 million people, and we look forward to an intense crosstown rivalry between New York City Football Club and the New York Red Bulls that will captivate this great city."

The new team will seek to build a permanent home in New York, perhaps at the site in Flushing Meadows near the home of the US Open tennis championships that MLS has been exploring, but perhaps elsewhere.

Until its facility is built it will make arrangements for an interim venue.

Ferran Soriano, chief executive of Manchester City, will oversee the process of filling top NYCFC leadership positions.

"We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City Soccer," he said.

"In the Yankees, we have found the absolute best partner for developing a world-class sports organisation and a winning team that will carry the New York City Football Club name with pride."

Manchester City will be the majority owner of the club. As an investor, the Yankees will be active in the ownership group.

The two clubs already have a commercial relationship through the Legends Hospitality entertainment and marketing organisation.

On May 25, Yankee Stadium will host Manchester City in a friendly match against Premiership rivals Chelsea.