MLS
Red Bull Purchases MetroStars
By Shane Killian
March 9, 2006
Red Bull is expanding its soccer interests with the purchase of the MetroStars. Effective immediately, the MetroStars will take the field in the upcoming 2006 Major League Soccer season as Red Bull New York.
In addition to the purchase of the MetroStars, Red Bull will partner with AEG on the construction of the team's soccer-specific stadium in Harrison, New Jersey.
Red Bull's agreement with AEG, the team's former investor-operator, was approved by the MLS Board of Governors today, and includes the two companies joining together to invest in the custom-built stadium for the team in Harrison. As part of the agreement, Red Bull also purchased naming rights to the soccer-specific stadium. Red Bull will have a 50 percent ownership stake in the facility, and AEG will remain responsible for constructing, managing and booking the venue.
With the deal, the fall champion of the Austrian Bundesliga, Red Bull Salzburg, will become the first European team to gain a sister team in the MLS — one of the most rapidly expanding leagues in the world.
"The addition of Red Bull into our group of owners is a landmark moment for Major League Soccer and for all Tri-State area soccer fans," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. "Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz brings international credibility and proven, innovative marketing expertise to Major League Soccer. His presence on the MLS Board of Governors provides another authentic, avid soccer fan to our diversifying set of investors."
Red Bull CEO Dietrich Mateschitz said, "18 million Americans actively play soccer in the USA. Up to 60 million are soccer fans. We were so fascinated by these figures that we made the decision to join and support this development by taking over the responsibility for the MetroStars. Our goal is to further strengthen the team and position the New York Red Bulls as the soccer metropolis of the East Coast, as well as to join the investment for a new tailor made soccer stadium—the "Red Bull Arena"—which will serve as the new home for the New York Red Bulls."
Close collaboration between Red Bull Salzburg and the Red Bull New York is planned. Synergies in athletic areas as well as in management and marketing will be tapped. Projected plans include talent scouting, mutual training camps and friendly matches as well as joint marketing, merchandising and public relations activities.
Alexi Lalas will remain president and general manager of Red Bull New York.
The New York Red Bulls will kick off the season on the road against D.C. United on Saturday, April 2, and return to Giants Stadium for their first home game on Saturday, April 8, against the New England Revolution.