How Many Football Teams Are in New York? (2025)

By Sarah Miller · September 9, 2028

New York is home to two NFL teams: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Both teams play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, though they represent the New York metropolitan area. Beyond the NFL, New York has professional teams across multiple sports leagues, including Major League Soccer (MLS), the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Hockey League (NHL). This article explores all professional football-related teams in New York, clarifying common misconceptions about 'football' as both American football and soccer are widely followed.

Understanding Football in the New York Context

In the United States, "football" typically refers to American football, especially in the context of the NFL. However, globally, "football" means soccer. New York features prominent teams in both disciplines. To avoid confusion, this article covers both American football and soccer teams based in New York State, with a focus on the New York City metropolitan area.

American Football vs. Soccer: Key Differences

American Football: Played in the NFL; involves tackles, downs, and a 100-yard field.
Soccer (Football): Known as association football; played with 11 players per side on a large grass field.
The term "football team" in New York usually refers to the Giants and Jets, but soccer fans may refer to NYCFC or the Red Bulls.

New York's NFL Teams: Giants and Jets

The National Football League (NFL) has two franchises representing New York: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Despite their names, neither plays within the five boroughs of New York City. Both teams share MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, due to space and infrastructure constraints.

Team Profiles

New York Giants: Founded in 1925, four-time Super Bowl champions (I, II, XLII, XLVI).
New York Jets: Founded in 1959, won Super Bowl III in 1969 under Joe Namath’s legendary “guarantee.”
Both teams compete in the AFC and NFC East divisions respectively.

Professional Soccer Teams in New York

In soccer—known internationally as football—New York hosts two Major League Soccer (MLS) teams:

New York City FC: Based in Queens, plays at Yankee Stadium temporarily; building a new stadium in Willets Point.
New York Red Bulls: Based in Harrison, New Jersey, plays at Red Bull Arena.

Though one team plays just outside NYC, both are considered part of the New York football (soccer) landscape.

College and Semi-Pro Football Teams

Beyond professional leagues, New York has numerous college football programs competing in the NCAA. Notable teams include:

Syracuse Orange (ACC)
Cornell Big Red (Ivy League)
Columbia Lions (Ivy League)
Army Black Knights (American Athletic Conference)

These programs contribute to the state’s rich football tradition, producing NFL talent annually.

Professional Football Teams in New York: Detailed Overview

Team	Sport	League	Founded	Home Stadium	Location	Championships
New York Giants	American Football	NFL	1925	MetLife Stadium	East Rutherford, NJ	4 Super Bowls
New York Jets	American Football	NFL	1959	MetLife Stadium	East Rutherford, NJ	1 Super Bowl
New York City FC	Soccer	MLS	2013	Yankee Stadium (temp)	Bronx, NY	1 MLS Cup (2021)
New York Red Bulls	Soccer	MLS	1995	Red Bull Arena	Harrison, NJ	1 Supporters' Shield

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4

The data shows that while only two teams play under the "New York" name in the NFL, the broader football (soccer) scene includes two competitive MLS franchises. Location-wise, most teams are based just outside NYC due to urban density and stadium logistics. The Giants remain the most decorated with four Super Bowl titles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Football Teams in New York

How many NFL teams are in New York?

There are two NFL teams based in the New York metropolitan area: the New York Giants and the New York Jets. Both play at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey but represent New York in the league.

Why do the Giants and Jets play in New Jersey?

MetLife Stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, due to land availability and funding agreements. Despite this, both teams retain "New York" in their names and serve the NYC media market.

Does New York have any soccer (football) teams?

Yes, New York has two Major League Soccer teams: New York City FC (based in the Bronx) and the New York Red Bulls (based in Harrison, NJ).

Which New York football team has won the most championships?

The New York Giants have won four Super Bowls (I, II, XLII, XLVI), making them the most successful New York-based football team in terms of NFL championships.

Are there any women's professional football (soccer) teams in New York?

Yes, NJ/NY Gotham FC competes in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). They play home games at Red Bull Arena and won the NWSL Championship in 2023.