NYCFC news roundup: Thiago, a new sponsor, and NYCFC II

The New York City FC preseason is in full swing. The Pigeons are still building for the 2024 season, so there is a lot of work to do. At the same time, there is plenty of news to cover.

Here is the next edition of the NYCFC news roundup.

NYCFC news roundup: Thiago, NYCFC II, and more

Thiago has a new loan deal

There were initial rumors that Thiago might end up on loan in China. On Thursday, NYCFC confirmed the Brazilian is going out on loan to Chinese Super League Club Shenzhen Peng City FC for the 2024 season. This comes after an unsuccessful loan stint with Club Athletico Paranaense in Brazil.

Hopefully, Thiago can get his career back on track with the new team. He came to the Bronx with so much potential, so it is a shame his career in Major League Soccer did not work out. At the same time, it can be argued he did not get enough of a shot to be a difference-maker. Nonetheless, he gets a fresh start in a new league.

NYCFC has a new sponsor

Fans can say goodbye to DUDE Wipes, who was the sleeve sponsor over the last few years. Many were not fans, for nobody wanted a company associated with the bathroom on their jerseys.

Now, NYCFC has made a change, where the new sleeve sponsor is Capital Rx. The company is a "health technology company committed to advancing our nation's healthcare infrastructure to improve drug price visibility and patient outcomes". Clearly, a sponsor that focuses on the people is much better suited for the kits.

Moreover, the club and Capital Rx will do local community service projects together. This move illuminates the goal of NYCFC to focus on and help the local community.

NYCFC II released the 2024 schedule

On Thursday, NYCFC II announced the 2024 schedule for the upcoming MLS Next Pro campaign. Their opening match will occur in Florida when the team takes on Inter Miami CF II. Then, the home opener will take place on March 27 when Chattanooga FC comes to town. On the flip side, the final match of the season will be at home against Huntsville City FC on October 6.

This year, the younger Pigeons will play 28 games during the MLS Next Pro season. There was also the expectation they would play in the U.S. Open Cup. Since U.S. Soccer denied MLS that plan, there is uncertainty with the historical tournament. The league has not accepted nor commented on the matter.

All of the home fixtures will be played at Belson Stadium. NYCFC II will look quite different in 2024 after the mass turnover during the offseason.