Red Bull is expanding its interest in soccer with a unique, yet logical, next step in a process that began less than a year ago: the MetroStars will take the field in the upcoming 2006 Major League Soccer season as the Red Bull New York.
In 2007, the fall champion of the Austrian Bundesliga, Red Bull Salzburg, became the first organization in the history of Austrian soccer to gain a sister team in the MLS -- one of the most rapidly expanding leagues in the world.
Red Bull CEO Dietrich Mateschitz said, "18 million Americans actively play soccer in the USA. Up to 60 million attend games each weekend. 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.”
Close collaboration between Red Bull Salzburg and the Red Bull New York is planned. Synergies in athletic areas as well as in management and marketing will be tapped. Projected plans include talent scouting, mutual training camps and friendly matches as well as joint marketing, merchandising and public relations activities.
The New York Red Bulls have enjoyed a great deal of success in their first season, including being in the running for a playoff spot.
Jose Altidore
