New York City Football Club (NYCFC) today announced that Brad Sims will take up the role of Chief Executive Officer for the Club in January, ahead of the 2019 Major League Soccer season. In this role, Sims will be responsible for all aspects of the organization on a day-to-day basis, lead the front office staff and continue to build on the Club’s successful first four years.
Sims joins the Club after six years with the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers where he served as Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations & Chief Revenue Officer. In this role, he was responsible for managing all primary areas of revenue for the Cavaliers including ticket sales, premium seating and hospitality, corporate partnerships and database marketing and analytics. Additionally, he managed all business operations for Cavs Operating Company franchise properties.
Sims joined the Cavaliers in 2012, helping grow revenues by double-digits for two straight years prior to a run of four consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2015-2018 where the Cavs ranked at or near the top of the NBA in every revenue category.
A former New Yorker, Sims spent four years at the NBA League Office in New York City serving as Vice President of Team Business Development, Team Marketing & Business Operations. In this role, Sims worked closely with NBA, WNBA and NBA G-League teams to provide strategic direction. Known within the industry for his creativity, Sims has 22 years of sports industry experience and is a 2015 Sports Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, as well as a Leaders Global Under 40 Award Winner.
Sims has been an avid soccer fan from a young age and was part of the 69,000 strong crowd at the Rose Bowl during the opening weekend of Major League Soccer’s inaugural season in 1996. He has been following the League’s growth as well and international soccer ever since.
Speaking of his new position, Sims said:
“I am excited and honored to begin this leadership position at New York City FC and City Football Group. There’s no better time to be a part of soccer in the United States and NYCFC has quickly become a key pillar within the League. With the sport growing so rapidly in the U.S., and with City Football Group’s original global proposition, this is the place to be.
“The Club’s achievements both on and off the pitch in the first four seasons inspire me to continue this exciting work. I’ve enjoyed building teams and projects throughout my career and believe this is just the beginning of NYCFC’s bright future and success in New York City, which in my opinion is the most dynamic and challenging market in the world. I can’t wait to be back in the City.”
Speaking of the appointment, Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, said:
“We are very happy to appoint Brad Sims as New York City FC CEO. Brad will bring a wealth of knowledge and successful experience gained both at the Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA that will be hugely important as NYCFC moves to its next phase of growth. As a former New Yorker and a soccer fan, we welcome Brad to NYCFC and the City Football Group certain that he will significantly contribute to our future success”
Vice Chairman of New York City FC Marty Edelman said:
‘‘At City Football Group we are always looking to innovate and bring in talent who can add new ideas and perspectives, as well as share our deep belief in soccer in this country. We have this in Brad and are delighted to bring an industry leader to the City we are so proud to represent. This appointment is a testament both to the growth of soccer as an American sport and the special quality of the people who work at our club.”
A smooth transition is assured with Jon Patricof joining NYCFC’s Board of Directors as his three-year contract comes to a close.
