The Major League Soccer (MLS) club, New York City FC (NYCFC) have strengthened their partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.
Through this deal, NYCFC’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium will be named Etihad Park. Etihad Airways will keep the exclusive naming rights for the New York-based team’s stadium, which will be constructed in Willets Point, Queens, under the 20-year arrangement.
Brad Sims, New York City FC CEO, said, “This is an historic announcement for New York City FC, Etihad Airways, and New York City. Etihad Airways has been a fantastic partner to the Club for over a decade, and we are proud to call Etihad Park the home of our great Club. For over a decade, we’ve been investing in New York with a vision of building the city into one of the soccer capitals of the world. Etihad Airways has been alongside us every step of the way and we’re thrilled to be making this announcement with them.
“Etihad Park will be the physical evidence of our deep and longstanding investment in New York City and will become a cathedral of soccer in the United States. Etihad Park was designed to celebrate the essence of community and the vibrant life found in urban parks, much like New York City’s iconic green spaces that serve as gathering spots for people from all walks of life. We hope that Etihad Park becomes a central hub for the community, as it will host not only sporting events, but also concerts, festivals, and community activities, fostering a sense of belonging and connection for all New Yorkers.”
Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, said, “We are delighted to sponsor the naming rights of this fantastic venue, which I am sure will become a landmark sports destination in the US. We have been backing New York City FC since the start in 2014 and this marks the latest chapter in our support for the club. Our values as an airline align perfectly with New York City FC and their commitment to New York City, through promoting soccer in the local neighborhoods and providing spaces for everyone to play.”
Etihad Airways has partnered with NYCFC since the club’s inception, and their cooperation has grown over the previous decade. Etihad Airways joined New York City FC as a principal and founding partner in 2014, becoming the club’s first team and boys academy front-of-shirt sponsor.
Etihad Airways has also been instrumental in helping NYCFC’s community activities through the club’s charity organisation, City in the Community (CITC). Etihad Airways is a key partner in the New York City Soccer Initiative (NYCSI), a $3 million effort started in 2016 to build and maintain 50 mini-pitches across the city and increase free soccer programs for the next generation of New Yorkers. The 50th pitch was opened in November 2021, and all locations are accessible for public play.
The news expands on Etihad Airways’ successful cooperation with City Football Group (CFG). CFG and Etihad Airways have collaborated to generate world-class club content, fan experiences, and community projects with the goal of delivering meaningful social impact via football throughout the world.
Etihad Airways has expanded its services to the United States, particularly to JFK, by introducing the renowned A380 to New York earlier this year as part of its twice-daily flights to Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Etihad Park is also set to make its debut ahead of the 2027 MLS regular season.
The stadium naming rights arrangement was negotiated in-house by New York City FC and the City Football Group partnering teams.