HOME RUN! Man City aim to take on United's global dominance after striking deal with Yankees to launch New York City FC

By Ian Ladyman

PUBLISHED: 10:00 EST, 21 May 2013 | UPDATED: 10:55 EST, 21 May 2013


Manchester City and the New York Yankees have agreed a groundbreaking partnership to create a brand new American soccer franchise named the New York City Football Club into the MLS for the 2015-16 season.

As part of a deal exclusively revealed by Sportsmail in April, City will be the majority owner of the 20th franchise and the club's stadium will be built in Queens, near to tennis venue Flushing Meadows.

The deal is worth $100million (£66m) and City are hoping it will raise their profile in America, as well as becoming a potential extra source of both income and players.

Leading the way: Manchester City now want to dominate America

Leading the way: Manchester City now want to dominate America

Joe Hart pitches a baseball at the home of the LA Dodgers
Patrick Vieira coaching outside the Yankee stadium

Partnership: Joe Hart pitches a baseball at the home of the LA Dodgers and Patrick Vieira (right)  coaches outside the Yankee stadium

New ambitions: Sheikh Mansour (centre) wants to start an MLS franchise... and it could cost $100m

New ambitions: Sheikh Mansour (centre) wants to start an MLS franchise... and it could cost $100m

It's a deal! Baseball side New York Yankees have a stake in the new MLS franchise

It's a deal! Baseball side New York Yankees have a stake in the new MLS franchise

It's a deal! Baseball side New York Yankees have a stake in the new MLS franchise

The Yankees used to be UNITED!

The groundbreaking partnership between Manchester City and the New York Yankees is further proof of the growing marketing power of the blue half of Manchester.

In February 2001, it was United who unveiled the biggest joint marketing deal in the history of sport when they announced they were linking up with the Yankees to 'share market information, develop sponsorship and joint promotional programs'.

The announcement of the deal resulted in United's share price rising 20p to 233¾p and David Beckham and Sir Bobby Charlton were paraded in the Yankees' stadium as part of the deal.

Ferran Soriano, Manchester City's chief executive, said: 'New York is a legendary sports town with an ever expanding soccer fanbase. We are thrilled to contribute to the energy and growth of New York City soccer.'

The mayor of New York, Michael R Bloomberg, said: 'Soccer is one of the world's most exciting and popular sports and it should be played on the world's biggest stage, in New York City.

'New Yorkers are the greatest sports fans in the world and they will welcome an MLS franchise with the full-throated and loyal support they are famous for.

'Manchester City has a great reputation for winning teams and serious community investment and that will help them fit in well.'

Meanwhile MLS commissioner Don Garver was delighted with the prospect and believed it would be great for the league.

Old school: David Beckham New York Yankee manager Joe Torre in 2007, while Sir Bobby Charlton (right) and Peter Kenyon (centre) pose with a New York Yankees jersey (below)

Old school: David Beckham New York Yankee manager Joe Torre in 2007, while Sir Bobby Charlton (right) and Peter Kenyon (centre) pose with a New York Yankees jersey (below)

Sir Bobby Charlton (R) and Peter Kenyon (C)

Sir Bobby Charlton (R) and Peter Kenyon (C)

Real estate: The new side will probably be based near the New York Mets and Flushing Meadows (below)

Real estate: The new side will probably be based near the New York Mets and Flushing Meadows (below)

Heather Watson at Flushing Meadows

POWER PAIR

Forbes values Man City at $689m and the New York Yankees at $2,300m, meaning the pair are worth $2,889m (£1.9bn). 

He said: 'This is a transformational development that will elevate the league to new heights in this country.'

By picking Queens as the location for the stadium, the Yankees are stepping on the toes of rival baseball side New York Mets.

City are currently in the US ahead of post-season friendlies against Chelsea in St Louis and New York.

Soriano added: '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.

'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 City FC are looking for an interim venue to play at before their new stadium is completed.

 

More...


Add your comments

Comments (59)

The comments below have not been moderated.

 View all

.City are growing

Click to rate     Rating   1

Report abuse

They are not dominating , they are Learning by trying to copy paste how MAN UTD have created a Global Frenches ,with millions of Fans . Thats what Followers do :> Follow the Leader .

Click to rate     Rating   2

Report abuse

Now hasn't that just wound a few people up. Full steam ahead Sheikh Mansour. Talk about sneaking in on the blind side. Stay quiet and then......bam, take that.

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

Report abuse

The New York red bulls actually play in New Jersey NOT New York New York City = New York Doesn't this sound familiar ? Man utd Salford / Trafford Not manchester Manchester city = Manchester These cities are ours ! - pierre, manchester, 21/05/2013 16:04 ---- c0ck

Click to rate     Rating   3

Report abuse

Ok the real funny thing is that their are about 12 city fans in NYC so with that you have a stadium way out in flushings who exactly are they aiming for as for supporters in a city with 8+ professional sports clubs including two football clubs.

Click to rate     Rating   2

Report abuse

City will end up having more history in major league than the premiership,

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

Report abuse

I'm a arsenal fan but this is one epicly fantastic move! Yesterday there was a Chelsea fan who called Man City a one hit wonder....what an iconic comment now to think of it. - Ace Gomez , London, 21/5/2013 17:11 ------- i didn't realise you won trophies for buying an MLS team.

Click to rate     Rating   3

Report abuse

The Yankees thought they were signing up with United !

Click to rate     Rating   6

Report abuse

they can do whatever they want, they will always be considered a club with no history by anyone with a clue. They win the league and sign superstars galore and their lame fanbase still can't sell out their stadium. Joke club, always will be. - Brasscakes, London, 21/5/2013 17:09 Question For Brasscakes, Notts County were founded in 1862 but not won a cup final since 1894 does this mean they don't have any history

Click to rate     Rating   5

Report abuse

The Red Bulls will continue, they are trying to generate a real derby rivalry which to gain interest and help 'soccer' in the USA. And as mentioned the Red Bulls don't even play in New York, so it will be very familiar ground as City play in Manchester and United don't. :)

Click to rate     Rating   4

Report abuse

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

You have 1000 characters left.
Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.
For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.
Terms