New York City FC is one of the founding members of MLS NEXT Pro, a professional soccer league that will provide a pathway between MLS NEXT, the U19 youth development league, and MLS.
A total of 21 teams will compete in the inaugural season, set to start in March of 2022. NYCFC will field a team in the Eastern Conference, and compete against familiar rivals such as New England, Philadelphia, and Toronto. The New Jersey Red Bulls are set to join MLS NEXT Pro in 2023.
NYCFC will also compete against the Rochester NY FC, which is partially owned by Leicester City FC striker Jamie Vardy.