NYCFC Names Todd Dunivant New Sporting Director

Todd Dunivant. Provided by NYCFC.

New York City Football Club announced on Tuesday morning that Todd Dunivant will be its new Sporting Director ahead of the 2026 season.

Dunivant's first official day in the role will be on January 1, 2026, and he will be third Sporting Director in franchise history.

This will be the last Major League Soccer season commencing in Feburary, as the league will shift to a July-May schedule in line with other leagues around the world. 

It also will be the last one where NYCFC will play games primarily at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field, as Etihad Stadium in Queens will be set to open for the 2027 season.

Dunivant has been with Sacramento Republic FC of the USL Championship league. He became General Manager in 2018, and has been team President since 2021.

Under Dunivant, Sacramento has made the playoffs in seven of the past eight seasons, including the last four. They also made a run to the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2022, only the fourth non-MLS team to reach the final since the USL was founded, and the first to make it that far since 2008.

Before becoming an executive, Dunivant played in the MLS for 13 years, and won five MLS Cups, including one with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2003, and four with LA Galaxy, in 2005, '11, '12, and '14.

Dunivant, who went to Stanford University, was drafted sixth overall by San Jose in 2003, and he went on to make over 300 MLA appearances. He was part of San Jose's championship team as a rookie, and he also was capped twice by the United States national team.

"I am honored to join New York City FC as Sporting Director and add to the success of the flagship Club and City Football Group," Dunivant said in a statement. "Since joining MLS, New York City FC have quickly established themselves as a perennial winner. From the Club's on-the-field results to building our future home in Etihad Park, New York City FC are a world-class organization with limitless potential and an unmatched fan base - whom I can't wait to meet. During this process, like our fans, I've been closely watching the team' impressive campaign and deep postseason run.

"The Club's strong foundation is something we will build up on from day one, and I'm eager to join the incredible players, coaches, and staff that already exist at New York City FC. The future has never been brighter for the Club and Major League Soccer, and I look forward to accomplishing big things together in 2026 and beyond."

As Sporting Director, Dunivant will be responsible for leading NYCFC's Sporting department, and building on their consistent performance on the field, which includes winning the MLS Cup in 2021 and being in the Eastern Conference Final three of the past five seasons, and its youth development.

NYCFC Co-Vice Chairman Marty Edelman said in a statement, "We're thrilled to bring Todd Dunivant on as New York City FC's Sporting Director. He will bring a unique perspective to both the Club and City Football Group with his experience and knowledge of Major League Soccer and the U.S. soccer ecosystem. Todd's humble and collaborative approach, combined with his experience and belief in the growth of our sport, will greatly contribute to the Club's success. On behalf of ownership and everyone at City Football Group, we'd like to welcome Todd to New York City FC."

Brad Sims, NYCFC CEO, said in a statement, "After a thorough search, we could not be more excited with Todd Dunivant becoming the Sporting Director at New York City FC. Todd understands and appreciates the importance of building and nurturing a winning culture like the one we have here at New York City FC. He's been a leader on and off the pitch and knows what it takes to win trophies in the league. He will help us build teams capable of competing for trophies every year.

"Between our talented roster, excellent coaching staff, and the upcoming opening of our future home in Etihad Park, our Club has never been in a stronger position. We wanted to bring in someone we were confident could lead our Sporting department into this exciting chapter of New York City FC, and we are confident Todd is the perfect leader for this role."