Todd Dunivant Named NYCFC Chief Soccer Officer Amid Urgent Changes

UPDATE: New York City FC has officially named Todd Dunivant as its new chief soccer officer, concluding a critical search following the departure of David Lee. The announcement came late Monday night, confirming Dunivant’s transition from Sacramento Republic to the MLS club in New York.

Dunivant, 44, brings extensive experience to NYCFC, having served as general manager at Sacramento Republic since 2018 and later taking on the role of president in 2020. This leadership change arrives at a pivotal moment for the club after a recent 5-1 loss to Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals, highlighting the urgency for revitalization and strategic planning.

The former player, who has a celebrated MLS career spanning over 300 matches with teams like the San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Red Bulls, and Toronto FC, is set to take on immediate challenges. He must address contract negotiations with homegrown talent Justin Haak and find ways to compensate for the absence of leading scorer Alonso Martínez, who is sidelined due to injury.

NYCFC’s search for Lee’s successor had been ongoing since his departure in October 2023 to join Sporting Kansas City. Brad Sims, CEO of NYCFC, had previously indicated that the club was narrowing down its list of candidates. “I would expect whoever we hire to come in to want to dig in and look at things differently,” Sims stated, emphasizing the value of a fresh perspective.

Dunivant’s executive track record is noteworthy; under his leadership, Sacramento Republic has made the USL Championship playoffs in all but one season and reached the U.S. Open Cup final in 2022. His proven success in developing competitive teams will be critical as NYCFC aims to revitalize its roster and fan engagement.

The timing of Dunivant’s appointment is crucial as NYCFC navigates ongoing discussions regarding player contracts. Earlier today, the club confirmed that options for several players, including Nico Cavallo, Tayvon Gray, and Maxi Moralez, have been exercised for the 2026 season, while talks with Andrés Perea and others are still underway.

As NYCFC gears up for a new chapter under Dunivant’s leadership, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will reshape the club’s future. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.