Roger Hampel
Borussia Dortmund, the esteemed eight-time German champions, celebrated the grand opening of its new office in New York City, USA. This strategic expansion took place in the iconic One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the United States, with an illustrious gathering of 300 guests from the realms of politics, business, and sports.
This new venture in the United States marks Borussia Dortmund's third international office, joining its existing footholds in Shanghai, China, and Singapore. This expansion is a clear indicator of the club's ambitious plans to enhance its internationalization efforts, particularly in North America, but also extending its reach to Central and South America.
Carsten Cramer, Borussia Dortmund's Managing Director, emphasized the importance of being sustainably present in key markets with dedicated staff who can engage directly with the local population. He stated, "Managing the entire American market from Dortmund does not do justice to this important topic in the long run. Hence, the decision to open another office in New York."
Borussia Dortmund has been actively working with strategic partners such as Puma and Evonik to tap into the US market. The club also collaborates with five partners headquartered in the USA, including EA FC, Workday, Coinbase, Prime, and Topps, demonstrating its serious commitment to establishing a strong presence in the region.
With the Club World Cup 2025 and the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, there is an anticipated surge in football interest in this part of the world. Hans-Joachim Watzke, Chairman of Borussia Dortmund's Executive Board, expressed excitement about bringing the club's unique story closer to the American audience and hopeful about qualifying for the Club World Cup.
Borussia Dortmund has previously represented the German Football League (DFL) in the USA on four occasions, engaging in friendly matches against English Premier League clubs and local teams, as well as participating in marketing and charity events. The club also runs a football academy in the USA, organizing training camps at 18 locations across the country from its base in Dallas, Texas.
The new office in New York City is led by Marc Lingenhoff, who brings 16 years of experience working for the sportswear manufacturer Adidas in the USA, among other roles. This leadership underlines Borussia Dortmund's commitment to leveraging extensive expertise to grow its brand and fanbase in the Americas.
This strategic expansion not only underscores Borussia Dortmund's ambition to connect with its global fanbase but also reflects the growing interest in football in the United States. As the sport continues to gain traction, Borussia Dortmund is poised to play a significant role in nurturing and expanding the football culture in North America, bringing the club's rich history and values closer to fans across the continent.
FOT & Source: BVB
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