UPDATE: New York City FC has officially named Todd Dunivant as its new chief soccer officer, marking a significant shift for the club after a comprehensive search. This announcement comes just hours after the club exercised contract options for several players heading into the 2026 season. Dunivant, who has served as general manager and president of Sacramento Republic since 2018, will now bring his expertise to the MLS club following a 5-1 loss to Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals last Saturday.
Dunivant, aged 44, replaces David Lee, who left NYCFC in October to join Sporting Kansas City. The transition to a new leadership role comes at a crucial time for NYCFC, which is eager to build on its strong performance under head coach Pascal Jansen. Dunivant’s experience in MLS, including a decorated playing career with over 300 matches and five MLS Cups, positions him uniquely to influence the club’s future direction.
As the new chief soccer officer, Dunivant faces immediate challenges, including negotiations for a new contract for rising star Justin Haak and addressing the injury setback of key forward Alonso Martínez, who was the team’s leading scorer in 2025. This is a pivotal moment for NYCFC as they aim to bolster their roster and enhance competitiveness in the league.
In a statement regarding the leadership change, NYCFC CEO Brad Sims emphasized the importance of fresh perspectives, stating, “I would expect whoever we hire to come in to want to dig in and look at things differently.” This sentiment highlights the urgency for NYCFC to innovate and evolve in response to recent challenges.
Dunivant’s track record with Sacramento Republic is impressive; the team has reached the USL Championship playoffs in all but one season under his leadership and made a remarkable run to the U.S. Open Cup final in 2022. His ability to build successful teams will be crucial as he takes the helm at NYCFC.
Fans and stakeholders are now eagerly awaiting Dunivant’s plans as the club prepares for its next season. The recent player options exercised, including those for Nico Cavallo, Tayvon Gray, and others, signal a commitment to maintaining a competitive roster, while discussions continue regarding veteran players like Maxi Moralez and Andrés Perea.
As NYCFC transitions into this new chapter, all eyes will be on Dunivant to see how he navigates the complexities of the MLS landscape and leads the club towards future success. The immediate focus will be on building a cohesive strategy that addresses both current player contracts and team performance, setting the stage for a transformative era at New York City FC.
