Roger Hampel
Credit: NYCFC Media
In a significant development for Major League Soccer (MLS) and the ever-growing soccer landscape in the United States, Marcelo Claure has officially joined New York City FC's ownership group. This strategic move sees Claure acquiring a 10% stake in City Football Group (CFG) US Holdco LLC, which not only oversees New York City FC but also holds future interests in the club’s upcoming stadium at Willets Point, Queens.
Claure Appointed Co-Vice Chairman of New York City FC
With this investment, Marcelo Claure has been named Co-Vice Chairman of New York City FC, aligning himself with two other major stakeholders: City Football Group and Yankee Global Enterprises. Following the transaction, CFG will hold 80% of New York City FC, while the Yankees and Claure will each control 10%. This diversification of ownership strengthens the club’s resources and further deepens the partnership between soccer and one of the world’s most iconic baseball organizations.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of City Football Group and New York City FC, expressed his enthusiasm for Claure’s involvement: “Marcelo has an incredible passion for soccer, for MLS, and for the growth of the sport in the United States. He shares our vision for the development of the game, and this partnership will be invaluable as we embark on this exciting new chapter for New York City FC, building toward playing in our own stadium in 2027.”
A Visionary Leader with Soccer at Heart Marcelo Claure New York
Marcelo Claure’s entrance into New York City FC comes as no surprise given his impressive track record both in business and soccer. As the founder and CEO of Claure Group, Claure is a globally recognized entrepreneur and investor. His past endeavors within the soccer world include co-founding Inter Miami CF and leading Bolivia’s most successful club, Club Bolívar, into a partnership with City Football Group. Claure also holds a stake in Girona FC, another club within CFG’s network, although his shareholding in Girona FC has been placed into a blind trust to comply with UEFA regulations.
Claure commented on the momentous deal: “I am thrilled to join New York City FC at such an exciting time for soccer in the U.S. With the Club World Cup in 2025 and the World Cup in 2026 on the horizon, I believe MLS has unmatched potential. Partnering with City Football Group and the Yankees, two of the most respected sports organizations in the world, is an incredible opportunity.”
Willets Point: New York City FC’s Future Home
The new Willets Point stadium, set to open in 2027, marks a historic moment for both the club and the sport in the city. The project, approved by the New York City Council earlier this year, will be privately financed and will seat 25,000 spectators. It is set to be the first fully electric sports stadium in New York City and all of Major League Soccer, further positioning New York City FC as a forward-thinking club both on and off the pitch.
Randy Levine, President of the New York Yankees, emphasized the importance of Claure’s investment: “The Yankees are eager to continue taking an active part in the Club’s future and remain completely committed to its upward trajectory as it builds its new stadium in Willets Point and adds Marcelo to the ownership group.”
A Growing Legacy in US Soccer
This investment arrives at a time when soccer in the U.S. is gaining unprecedented momentum. With the FIFA World Cup Final scheduled to take place in New York in 2026 and MLS continuing to expand, Claure’s involvement brings significant experience and influence. His commitment to growing soccer in the U.S. aligns perfectly with City Football Group’s ambitions of driving football development on a global scale, particularly in a rapidly growing market like North America.
Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, remarked: “Marcelo’s investment and belief in New York City FC is a testament to the amazing Club we’ve been building over the past decade. I could not be more excited for what we can achieve together in the future for our loyal fans.”
Conclusion: Claure’s Vision for the Future
Marcelo Claure’s partnership with New York City FC is poised to accelerate the growth of soccer in New York City and the U.S. His role as Co-Vice Chairman will likely bring fresh perspectives, energy, and leadership as the club approaches one of the most transformative periods in its history. With a new stadium, strong ownership structure, and a city brimming with soccer passion, New York City FC is well-positioned to continue its rise in Major League Soccer and the global football community.
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