Billionaire New York Jets owner Woody Johnson will become the next ambassador to Britain, an official on President-elect Donald Trump's transition team confirmed to NBC News Thursday.

Trump hinted at the appointment at a luncheon in Washington when he introduced a guest as "sitting next to the ambassador Woody Johnson, going to Saint James."

Trump said, "Congratulations, Woody."

The appointment has not been formally announced. The billionaire businessman and philanthropist from the Johnson & Johnson family has known Trump for years.

Johnson originally backed Trump rival Jeb Bush in the GOP primary.