The New York Yankees have teamed up with Manchester City FC to acquire Major League Soccer’s 20th expansion club, New York City FC (NYCFC). MLS commissioner Don Garber originally announced the league’s plans to create a 20th franchise in May of 2010, and after three years a deal is officially done.
New York City FC is expected to begin play in the MLS in 2015, thanks to both of the world-class organizations who have partnered to bring the 20th expansion club to the “Big Apple.”
“We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer,” commissioner Don Garber said in a statement on the league’s website . “This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country.”
NYCFC brings more football to the big city and it can only help the sport grow even more popular in the United States, as Garber added that “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 York Red Bulls are one of the ten charter clubs in the MLS, and since it’s creation they have brought in top-notch players though they have yet to win an MLS Cup. That may change in 2013, as the Red Bulls are currently atop the Eastern Conference with 24 points.
Manchester City has had a connection with the Yankees well before their new partnership on Monday, as the club has appeared at Yankee Stadium for exhibition matches in the past. The Blues just finished their Premier League season this past weekend and they are now on a U.S. Tour that begins this Thursday.
City will face Chelsea FC in the “battle of the Blues” in an exhibition at Yankee Stadium after going to St. Louis for their first “friendly” match on Thursday at Busch Stadium.
Before the new MLS club can begin play, they will look for a temporary venue until a permanent home is set in place. Manchester City will be the majority owner, while the Yankees will continue to play an active role in ownership.
Do you believe the partnership between Manchester City and the New York Yankees will produce a powerful MLS club in NYCFC?
[Image via Creative Commons ]