New York City FC has signed goalkeeper Mac Learned to a First Team contract for the 2026 season, with options extending through June 2027 and the 2027–2028 and 2028–2029 seasons.
Learned is now the sixth player from New York City FC II, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, to move up to a First Team contract. Across the league, he becomes the 227th player to make this transition from MLS NEXT Pro. He made his debut in that league in March 2025, recording two saves in a shutout win against Columbus Crew 2.
After participating in preseason training with New York City FC’s First Team last January, Learned joined New York City FC II for the 2025 season. During that year, he started in 14 matches, played a total of 1,260 minutes, kept one clean sheet, and achieved a save percentage of 65%.
Sporting Director Todd Dunivant commented on the signing: “Mac signing a contract with the First Team speaks volumes about New York City’s player pathway through MLS NEXT Pro and our commitment to developing players at all stages of their careers. Under the direction of Assistant Coach Rob Vartughian, the Club has fostered a healthy and competitive environment for our goalkeepers. We’re excited for Mac to join Matt Freese, Tomás Romero, and Greg Ranjitsingh as we continue to strengthen the goalkeeper position.”
Before joining New York City FC II, Learned played collegiate soccer at Sacramento State University. There he started in 44 out of his 47 appearances over four seasons as a Hornet. He accumulated nearly 3,900 minutes on the field and finished his college career with a save percentage above seventy-three percent.
Reflecting on his new contract with New York City FC’s First Team, Learned said: “It means the world to me to sign a First Team contract with New York City FC. For me, it was about grinding and proving myself in a professional environment. Competing in MLS NEXT Pro with New York City FC II helped prepare me for this opportunity, and I’m incredibly grateful for the role everyone played in helping me reach this point in my career. I look forward to continuing to learn and develop as a player and helping the Club achieve its goals.”
Learned is originally from Lincoln, California. At age twenty-three, he stands six feet four inches tall and weighs one hundred ninety pounds.
Transaction: New York City FC signs Goalkeeper Mac Learned to a First-Team Contract for the 2026 season with options through June 2027 as well as for subsequent seasons.
