Sporting Kansas City appoint David Lee as Chief Soccer Officer, bringing MLS Cup–winning experience from NYCFC

Lee arrives at Children's Mercy Park with an impressive track record of success, having overseen NYCFC's rise from expansion team to perennial contender during his nine seasons in New York. The English executive progressed through several technical roles within the City Football Group organization, starting as Director of Player Recruitment before being promoted to Technical Director and ultimately Sporting Director in late 2019.

Co-Principal Owner Michael Illig described the hiring as transformational for the organization after conducting an extensive search for their new President of Soccer Operations and General Manager.

“As we enter a new era for Sporting Kansas City, this is the most important decision we could make,” Illig told Sporting KC's website. “After a six-month global search, David was the clear and undeniable choice. He will lead our soccer operation with our full trust and confidence. David brings fresh vision, global experience, and relentless ambition.

“With his leadership, we are committed to building a team that reflects the pride of our community while striving for the highest levels of Major League Soccer. This is the beginning of a new chapter for Sporting Kansas City and one that we believe will carry our club into a future of renewed success and shared pride with our supporters.”

Lee, who brings extensive experience in sports and business leadership, emphasized the club’s tradition of success, its loyal supporters, and the strong foundation built by ownership. In his first remarks, he expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with players, coaches, and staff to pursue shared ambitions while deepening connections with the team’s passionate fanbase.

“Sporting Kansas City has a proud history, a passionate fanbase and a winning culture,” Lee explained in a statement. “I want to thank the ownership group for this special opportunity and look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been established in this great soccer city. I am excited to work with the players, coaches and staff to achieve our shared ambitions and I look forward to meeting our incredible fans.”

NYCFC also thanked Lee for his time at the club. 

"David has been central to our consistent success on the field, and while working alongside our global sporting operation, he has developed into one of the most well-respected Sporting Directors in MLS," NYCFC Co-Vice Chairman Marty Edelman said in a statement. “As an organization, our philosophy is to consistently develop talent in our Academy and First Team, and David played an important role in making that a reality. We wish him the best of luck in this new chapter of his career."  

Lee's appointment represents the most significant front office change for Sporting Kansas City in more than a decade. The timing of the appointment positions Lee to potentially influence the remainder of Sporting's 2025 campaign while preparing for critical offseason roster decisions as the club seeks to return to championship contention.