<p><a href="https://www.sps.nyu.edu/about/academic-divisions-and-departments/preston-robert-tisch-institute-for-global-sport.html">Tisch Institute</a> Clinical Professor Lee H. Igel's recent <i>Forbes </i>article entitled, "NYCFC’s Etihad Park Signals MLS Growth Ahead of World Cup and Olympics" explores how NYCFC's new home stadium signals growing fandom for major league soccer ahead of the 2026 World Cup taking place in North America.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/leeigel/2026/03/05/nycfcs-etihad-park-signals-mls-growth-ahead-of-world-cup-and-olympics/">READ FULL ARTICLE</a></b></p>
The rise of major soccer-specific venues reflects the sport’s commercial growth and investment interest in the US. It also, in at least equal measure, reflects the sport’s cultural relevance and community engagement."
Lee H. Igel
Clinical Professor
Preston Robert Tisch Institute for Global Sport