New York City FC is on the lookout for a new sports director following the announcement that David Lee will leave his position as the club’s president of football operations and general manager at Sporting Kansas City. This news came out on Tuesday.
Lee’s tenure with the team spanned back to 2014 when he first joined as the director of player recruitment. He stepped into the role of sports director in November 2019. Now, the club has kicked off a search for his replacement, noting that Lee’s last day with NYCFC will be October 6.
Marty Edelman, co-vice president, shared that the new sports director will be expected to “meet the highest standards” set by City Football Group, which is the parent organization of the club.
In a statement, Lee expressed his decision to embrace new challenges in Kansas City as a significant step for both him and his family, although it wasn’t an easy choice. He mentioned, “Having been with New York City FC since the beginning and taking on various roles over the years, I felt this was the right time.”
Lee is set to join Sporting Kansas City on a seven-year contract that will keep him there until 2032. His responsibilities will cover all aspects of the soccer organization, from roster management and player recruitment to analyzing stats and overseeing development programs.
Interestingly, Lee’s exit comes at a crucial moment as NYCFC gears up for the playoffs, with just two games remaining and a postseason slot already secured. Under his leadership, the team made the playoffs five times in six seasons, culminating in their first MLS Cup victory in 2021.
Reflecting on his time at NYCFC, Lee remarked, “It was a unique opportunity to help grow this amazing club from the ground up. Winning the MLS Cup in 2021 remains one of the proudest moments of my career.” He’s credited with hiring three coaches during his time, including Ronnie Deira, who secured the championship in 2021, and Pascal Jansen, who is currently the head coach.
In his statement, Lee added that he believes the team is in a strong position moving forward. “Securing a playoff spot is a testament to our players’ talent and the tremendous effort from Pascal Jansen and his staff,” he said. He also emphasized the family-oriented and victorious culture built since day one, expressing optimism for the future of the club, particularly with the opening of Etihad Park in 2027.
