U.S. soccer legend Brian McBride has been appointed as the first General Manager of Brooklyn Football Club, marking a major milestone as the club prepares for its 2026 USL Championship debut. McBride’s experience as a player and executive will guide both the men’s and women’s teams as the club builds its identity in New York’s soccer landscape.
McBride takes the helm in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Football Club has made a statement of intent by naming Brian McBride as its General Manager, a move that signals both ambition and vision as the club gears up for its inaugural USL Championship season in 2026. The American soccer icon will lead all sporting operations for the club’s men’s and women’s teams — including roster building, staff recruitment, and long-term player development strategies.
For McBride, the appointment represents a new chapter in a career that has already spanned three FIFA World Cups and a highly respected front-office role with the U.S. Men’s National Team. His leadership and football acumen are expected to play a defining role in shaping the club’s culture and competitiveness from day one.
From Fulham favorite to front-office leader
McBride’s football journey needs little introduction. A three-time World Cup veteran, he earned 95 caps and scored 30 goals for the U.S. Men’s National Team between 1993 and 2006. At club level, he became Columbus Crew’s first-ever draft pick and later starred in the Premier League with Fulham, where his grit and aerial prowess made him a cult hero at Craven Cottage.
Following his retirement, McBride transitioned seamlessly into management, serving as General Manager of the U.S. Men’s National Team from 2020 to 2023. That experience — overseeing talent pipelines, player scouting, and high-level program management — makes him uniquely suited for the Brooklyn FC role.
Speaking to The Athletic, McBride said:
Their vision, what they’re thinking – the amount of impact I can have, not just on the sporting side, but on the organization really drew me to it. The goal is to build something the community will be proud of — something Brooklyn can call its own.
Building a club for the community
Brooklyn FC President David Barry described McBride’s appointment as a “major moment for the club and the borough.” He emphasized McBride’s combination of on-field pedigree and executive expertise as essential to the club’s growth:
Brian brings a rare blend of experience, leadership, and vision. He understands what it means to build something that reflects this community — hard work and determination. Our women’s team has already set the tone, and now we’re bringing that same energy to the men’s side.
McBride’s first task will be to appoint a head coach — a process expected to move swiftly to allow player scouting and development planning to begin ahead of the club’s debut season.
USL Championship enters new era
McBride’s arrival coincides with an exciting evolution within the USL Championship. The league recently confirmed plans to introduce promotion and relegation by 2028, transforming the competitive structure of American soccer. Brooklyn FC’s entry in 2026 will place them at the forefront of this new era, blending grassroots community involvement with a long-term professional vision.
The club’s commitment to inclusivity and local integration mirrors the broader ambitions of the USL, which continues to expand across major U.S. cities and strengthen its connection to fans and local businesses alike.
Brooklyn FC’s next step
As part of their community-first approach, Brooklyn FC will host a launch event at Industry City on October 29, in partnership with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Brooklyn Made, and Fort Hamilton Distillery. The event will give fans their first chance to meet McBride and learn more about the club’s plans for the men’s and women’s teams.
With Brian McBride at the helm, Brooklyn FC isn’t just preparing to compete — it’s laying the groundwork for a legacy that could redefine soccer culture in one of America’s most passionate boroughs.
