New York City Football Club (NYCFC)is bringing Brad Sims on from the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers to take on the job of Chief Executive Officer in January, ahead of the 2019 Major League Soccer season.

As CEO, Sims will be responsible for all aspects of the organization on a day-to-day basis, lead the front office staff and continue to build on the Club’s successful first four years.

With six years at the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers as Executive Vice President of Franchise Operations & Chief Revenue Officer, Simes has the experience of helping grow revenues by double-digits for two straight years prior to a run of four consecutive NBA Finals appearances in 2015-2018.

Now that LeBron James has left the Cavaliers, one wonders if Simms was looking for a brighter future and saw the potential in American professional soccer.

A former New Yorker, Sims has been a lifelong soccer fan — and is proud that was part of the 69,000 strong crowd at the Rose Bowl for the kick off of the MLS’ inaugural season in 1996.

Known within the industry for his creativity, Sims has 22 years of sports industry experience and is a 2015 Sports Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, as well as a Leaders Global Under 40 Award Winner.

“I am excited and honored to begin this leadership position at New York City FC and City Football Group,” said Sims.

“THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO BE A PART OF SOCCER IN THE UNITED STATES …”

“NYCFC has quickly become a key pillar within the League. With the sport growing so rapidly in the U.S., and with City Football Group’s original global proposition, this is the place to be,” said Simms.

“The Club’s achievements both on and off the pitch in the first four seasons inspire me to continue this exciting work. I’ve enjoyed building teams and projects throughout my career and believe this is just the beginning of NYCFC’s bright future and success in New York City, which in my opinion is the most dynamic and challenging market in the world. I can’t wait to be back in the City.”

Ferran Soriano, CEO of City Football Group, said, “We are very happy to appoint Brad Sims as New York City FC CEO. Brad will bring a wealth of knowledge and successful experience gained both at the Cleveland Cavaliers and the NBA that will be hugely important as NYCFC moves to its next phase of growth. As a former New Yorker and a soccer fan, we welcome Brad to NYCFC and the City Football Group certain that he will significantly contribute to our future success”

‘‘At City Football Group we are always looking to innovate and bring in talent who can add new ideas and perspectives, as well as share our deep belief in soccer in this country,” said Vice Chairman of New York City FC Marty Edelman. “We have this in Brad and are delighted to bring an industry leader to the City we are so proud to represent. This appointment is a testament both to the growth of soccer as an American sport and the special quality of the people who work at our club.”

A smooth transition is assured with Jon Patricof joining NYCFC’s Board of Directors as his three-year contract comes to a close.