Red Bull purchases MetroStars
• Q&A with New York GM Lalas >
• MLS press release >
• Red Bull New York press release >
Red Bull, the Austrian company that produces the popular energy drink, finalized its purchase of the MetroStars from AEG Thursday after the MLS Board of Governors approved the deal.
The organization has been rebranded as "Red Bull New York," with a new logo, uniform and team colors being installed immediately. While the official name of the club is Red Bull New York, the playing squad will be known as the New York Red Bulls.
In addition to ownership of the club, Red Bull's deal with AEG includes naming rights for and a 50 percent ownership stake in the team's new stadium, which will be built in Harrison, N.J. Red Bull is also partnering with AEG in the construction of the facility. AEG will directly oversee construction and will be responsible for managing and booking the venue.
"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 already owns one professional soccer team, having purchased the Austrian Bundesliga club then known as SV Wüstenrot Salzburg a year ago. That club is now known as Red Bull Salzburg, and the influence of Red Bull's resources paid immediate dividends; the club, which finished in ninth place out of 10 teams last season, currently sits in second and won Austria's autumn championship.
"Eighteen million Americans actively play soccer in the USA. Up to 60 million are soccer fans," Mateschitz said. "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."
Red Bull has said the New York and Salzburg clubs will work closely together in terms of athletics, management and marketing. The clubs will jointly scout players, conduct mutual training camps and play friendly matches.
President and General Manager Alexi Lalas will stay on with the club as it prepares for its 2006 season opener. The Red Bulls will open the new campaign against D.C. United in Washington on April 2 before making their home bow at Giants Stadium on April 8 against the New England Revolution.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
