New owner Philip Anschutz

AEG has acquired the operating rights to the MetroStars from Metromedia Company, it was announced today. Previously, John Kluge and Stuart Subotnick served as Investor/Operators of the team through an affiliate of Metromedia Company, Empire Soccer Club, L.P.

"AEG is committed to Major League Soccer and soccer in the United States," said AEG President Timothy J. Leiweke. "Clearly, New York/New Jersey is the most important and largest marketplace for our league and the resources AEG will bring to this organization will not only strengthen the team, but will have a very positive effect on the entire league. Now with teams in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Colorado and Washington D.C., we believe that we will continue to be leaders within MLS and play a significant role in the growth of the league."

"As part of our commitment to the fans in the New York/New Jersey area, we will continue the groundwork underway with the office of the Governor of New Jersey, the leadership of Hudson County and the town of Harrison to build a showplace stadium for soccer," said Kevin Payne, Senior Vice President of AEG Soccer. "We believe that this stadium project is critical to the successful operation of the franchise and soccer's existence in the region."

"Stuart Subotnick and John Kluge were instrumental in building Major League Soccer and have been great supporters of soccer in America," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "MLS is excited to have AEG increase their commitment in the league by becoming investor-operator of the MetroStars.

"AEG is one of the preeminent sports and live-entertainment companies in the world, and adding a team in the metropolitan New York area is a logical next step for them. We have complete faith in AEG taking the MetroStars to the next level."

The MetroStars franchise has been in existence since Major League Soccer's inception in 1996. The team has also qualified for the MLS Cup playoffs in each of the past two seasons, including winning the MLS Eastern Division title in 2000.

"This is a bittersweet day for us," said Subotnick. "John and I have been with MLS since its inception, and we've fallen in love with the game of soccer and the MetroStars in particular. AEG is committed to take soccer in America to a higher level, and we decided to assist in their goal by transferring our interest to them at this time.

"While we will no longer operate the MetroStars, we will continue to be avid and supportive fans of the team and the league. This has been an exhilarating experience, providing us with memories we will always treasure. I feel good knowing the team is going forward in the best of hands."

"Headed by General Manager Nick Sakiewicz, the management team of the MetroStars has done an incredible job," said Leiweke. "Over the past two seasons, the MetroStars have increased their home attendance by more than 41%, averaging more than 20,000 fans per game (20,806) for the first time since 1996 and more than quintupling its corporate sponsorship revenue in 2001 with over $1.5 million in partnerships. Television ratings for MetroStars matches have also seen an increase."