When New York City FC’s new stadium opens up just before the 2027 Major League Soccer season, it will have a familiar partner’s name tied to it.
The club is partnering with Etihad Airways for the exclusive naming rights to the new venue in Queens, New York, which will officially be called Etihad Park, according to a joint press release.The agreement is for 20 years and furthers a partnership between the two parties that have worked together since 2014.
Etihad is already a familiar name in soccer, with Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium a major venue in the EPL.
“It’s the most important commercial agreement that we’ll enter into, probably in the history of the club,” said New York City FC Chief Executive Officer Brad Sims in an interview with CNBC.
The new stadium marks a major step for the club, which currently plays home games at baseball stadiums Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. Sims said the new venue opens up lucrative partnership opportunities, and the naming rights agreement is a prominent one.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Etihad Park is being built with private funds.
