Marcelo Claure takes 10% ownership stake in NYCFC, stadium

NYCFC's new co-owner is a Bolivian-American billionaire who founded Brightstar Corp.

Marcelo Claure, a Bolivian-American billionaire and the founder of Brightstar Corp., has acquired a 10% ownership stake in New York City Football Club (NYCFC) and its stadium. The deal was announced on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, and makes Claure the club's second-largest shareholder behind majority owner City Football Group (CFG).

Claure is a self-made businessman who started Brightstar in 1997. The company is now one of the world's largest wireless distributors, with operations in more than 50 countries. Claure is also the co-owner of the Bolivian football club Club Bolívar and the Spanish football club Girona FC.

In a statement, Claure said he was "honored" to join NYCFC and was excited to help the club achieve its goals. "I have been a fan of NYCFC since its inception, and I believe in the club's mission to bring world-class football to New York City," Claure said. "I am committed to working with the club's leadership to help NYCFC reach its full potential."

Claure's investment is a sign of the growing popularity of MLS

Claure's investment in NYCFC is a sign of the growing popularity of Major League Soccer (MLS). MLS has seen rapid growth in recent years, with average attendance increasing by more than 20% since 2015. The league has also attracted a number of high-profile investors, including David Beckham, Will Ferrell, and Kevin Durant.

The investment is also a sign of NYCFC's growing stature within MLS. The club has won the MLS Cup twice in the past five years, and it has a strong fan base in New York City. Claure's investment will help NYCFC continue to compete for titles and build on its success.

The stadium is expected to open in 2027

The new stadium is expected to open in 2027. The stadium will be located in Queens, New York, and it will have a capacity of 25,000. The stadium will be the home of NYCFC and the NWSL's New York Gotham FC.

The stadium is being designed by the architecture firm Populous, which has designed a number of other major sports stadiums, including the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Conclusion

Marcelo Claure's investment in NYCFC is a major development for the club and for MLS. Claure is a successful businessman with a passion for football, and he is committed to helping NYCFC reach its full potential. The new stadium will be a major asset for NYCFC and for New York City, and it will help the club continue to compete for titles and build on its success.