Premier League giants team up with Yankees to launch new team.
Manchester City have teamed up with MLB team the New York Yankees to launch a new MLS franchise, New York City FC.
A deal has been struck after three years of negotiations between the parties and the new team is expected to begin playing at the start of the 2015/16 MLS season
“We proudly welcome two of the most prestigious professional global sports organizations to Major League Soccer,” MLS commissioner Don Garber told MLSsoccer.com.
“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.”
“New York is a legendary sports town, as well as a thriving global city with a rapidly expanding soccer fan-base,” said Ferran Soriano, CEO of Manchester City.
“We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City Soccer. In the Yankees, we have found the absolute best partner for developing a world-class sports organization and a winning team that will carry the New York City Football Club name with pride.”
City, who are banked rolled by billionair Sheikh Mansour, will be the majority owners of the new franchise, which is believed to have cost in the region of $100m.
New York already boasts one MLS franchise – the Red Bulls – who have a star-studded squad including former Arsenal star Thierry Henry and Tim Cahill.
The founding of New York City means the US will be treated to its second local derby second local derby – after the Los Angeles “SuperClasic”o between the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA.
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