Defender Tayvon Gray signed a contract extension with New York City FC, keeping the Bronx native with the club through the 2028-29 season. 

The deal, announced Wednesday, includes an option for the 2029-30 season and keeps one of just five players on the current roster who was with the club in 2021 when it won the MLS Cup. 

“I’m grateful and honored to continue my journey with New York City FC,” Gray said in a statement issued through the club. “This is my Club, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together, but I’m hungry for more. I want to keep winning, continue helping this group, and be part of this next chapter as we look ahead to Etihad Park.”

New York City FC defender Tayvon Gray kicks the ball during their loss to FC Cincinnati on Aug. 19, 2026 at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Gray was in the final year of his contract with NYCFC this season, and sporting director Todd Dunivant told reporters earlier this month at a media event at the club’s Manhattan headquarters that talks were “absolutely ongoing.” 

Gray has appeared in 178 matches across all competitions since he signed his first professional Homegrown contract with the club in 2019 at 17 years old.

Since then, he’s scored three goals and recorded 13 assists in an NYCFC jersey. 

Speaking with reporters during a World Cup event earlier this summer, Gray acknowledged that he still had “aspirations to go to Europe” in his career, but said his team had been talking with the club about a new contract and “seeing what the next step is for me.” 

In the short term, NYCFC is trying to move up in the table as they cling to a playoff spot. 

New York City FC defender Tayvon Gray kicks the ball against Evander during their loss to FC Cincinnati at TQL Stadium on Aug. 19, 2026 in Cincinnati. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The club will play an important game on Saturday, facing a Toronto team that is chasing them in the standings.