Yankees, NYCFC set up $1.4M relief fund for game-day employees

The New York Yankees and fellow tenant New York City FC joined forces Thursday to create a $1.4-million disaster relief fund for game-day employees affected by the recent work stoppage in their respective leagues.

Full- and part-time staff are eligible to receive grants during the coronavirus pandemic.

The two teams have shared Yankee Stadium since NYCFC entered Major League Soccer in 2017.

"Our hope is that these grants will provide a degree of assistance for those game-day staff members impacted by this crisis, even though we recognize that the vast array of personal needs during this unprecedented time cannot be completely satisfied by these measures," read a statement.

Assistance includes payments for "reasonable and necessary personal, family, living, or funeral expenses," the Yankees added. It doesn't include payments for luxury goods or services.

Major League Baseball suspended spring training and delayed the start of the season as authorities try to stop the spread of the coronavirus. MLS also postponed matches until at least May 10, in accordance with guidelines from the CDC.

New York is the hardest-hit state in the United States, with nearly 100,000 recorded cases of COVID-19. More than 2,000 people have died from the disease in the state.

Other sports teams across North America kick-started similar initiatives. On March 13, the NBA's Golden State Warriors pledged $1 million to a disaster relief fund for more than 1,000 employees who work games at Chase Center.