17/09/2024 22:15hs.
New York City FC announced this Tuesday the incorporation of Bolivian Marcelo Claure to the group of club owners with an investment equivalent to approximately 10% of the company’s post-investment value. The businessman was named co-vice president of the entity and sealed its return to Major League Soccer.
Claure will return to the MLSfollowing his time at Inter Miami CF, a club he founded in January 2018. “Marcelo has a phenomenal track record in business and sports, and it is a privilege to welcome him to our ownership group,” said Marty Edelman, Co-Vice President of New York City FC. “With a permanent home for our Club on the horizon, Marcelo will bring unmatched experience, leadership and energy to New York City FC at one of the most important and exciting times in the Club’s history.”
The transaction involves Marcelo Claure acquiring approximately 10% of the shares of City Football Group US Holdco LLC, which has combined ownership of New York City FC and the Club’s future stadium in Willets Point, Queens. The new stadium is set to open in 2027.
“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 unrivaled potential,” said Claure. “Partnering with City Football Group and the Yankees, two of the most respected sports organizations in the world, is an incredible opportunity.”
Claure joins New York City FC’s founding shareholders, City Football Group and Yankee Global Enterprises. Under the new ownership structure, New York City FC’s parent company will be majority-owned at 80% by City Football Group, with Yankee Global Enterprises and Marcelo Claure each owning approximately 10% of the company.
Claure with Beckham at Manchester City.
“We have had the pleasure of working closely with Marcelo on a number of City Football Group projects, and this investment continues to strengthen his commitment to the Group,” said Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group. “Marcelo has an incredible passion for soccer, for MLS, and for growing 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, moving forward to play in our own stadium in 2027.”
“Their investment and belief in New York City FC is a testament to the incredible Club we have been building over the past decade alongside our partners, the New York Yankees. I would like to officially welcome Marcelo to the Club, and I couldn’t be more excited about what we can accomplish together in the future for our loyal fans,” Soriano added.
“New York City is the largest and most diverse city in the world. For many immigrant communities, soccer is their primary sport, and their passion will only grow as we build a new stadium,” said Claure.
The entrepreneur is the founder and CEO of Claure Group, a global investment firm that deploys its own capital in artificial intelligence and technology, climate and energy transition, and lifestyle and entertainment. It invests directly in companies and through leading investment funds.
Claure has a strong relationship with City Football Group. In 2020, he became an investor in Girona FC, a club in the same vein as New York City FC within the CFG network. In 2021, Bolívar, the largest Bolivian football club of which Claure is the owner and president, became a CFG partner club.
Claure also owns Team Brazil, which competes in the E1 series, the first and only electric boat racing championship.
“I would like to welcome Marcelo Claure to the New York City FC ownership group and look forward to working closely with him in the years ahead as he adds his deep experience to the Club’s pre-existing leadership structure,” said New York Yankees President Randy Levine. “In just 10 years, New York City FC has reached the pinnacle of Major League Soccer and developed a deeply rooted footprint in the metropolitan area. The Yankees look forward to continuing to be actively involved in the Club’s future and remain fully committed to its upward trajectory.”
Alonso Martinez, forward for New York City FC.
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