Shock in MLS: David Lee Leaves NYCFC After a Decade to Join Sporting Kansas City

David Lee, one of the original architects of New York City FC’s rise in Major League Soccer, has officially announced his departure from the club. After joining NYCFC in 2014 as one of its first employees, Lee spent over ten years shaping the sporting project that eventually led the Blues to lift their first MLS Cup in 2021.

Speaking about his decision, Lee admitted the choice wasn’t easy:

“This was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but I believe ultimately, this is the right time for me and my family.”

His words highlight the personal and professional weight behind a move that signals both the end of an era and the beginning of a new challenge.

From Building NYCFC to Lifting MLS Cup Glory

During his tenure, Lee held multiple roles before becoming Sporting Director, a position that allowed him to leave a lasting impact. Under his guidance, NYCFC became one of the most consistently competitive franchises in the league.

The 2021 MLS Cup victory remains the pinnacle of his time in New York:

“Winning our first MLS Cup in 2021 will always be one of the proudest moments of my career and one of the highlights of my life.”

That triumph cemented NYCFC’s status as a serious force in MLS and elevated Lee’s reputation as one of the most astute sporting executives in the league.

A New Adventure with Sporting Kansas City

Lee’s next chapter will be written with Sporting Kansas City, a club with a rich tradition and ambitious plans for the future. His arrival signals a clear intent by the organization to strengthen its sporting vision with an experienced leader who has already proven he can build a winning project from the ground up.

While Sporting KC fans will welcome his expertise, NYCFC supporters are left reflecting on a decade of growth and success that Lee helped engineer.

What This Means for NYCFC

For New York, the challenge now lies in replacing a figure so deeply embedded in the club’s DNA. Lee’s departure leaves a gap not only in leadership but also in vision — one that must be filled to keep the team competitive in a rapidly evolving MLS landscape.

The move also sparks questions about how NYCFC will approach the next phase of its development, especially as the club continues to invest in its academy and looks forward to its future stadium project.