The longstanding partnership between New York City FC and Etihad Airways took another significant leap.
The MLS side announced that the airliner will take the naming rights of its future soccer-specific stadium in Queens in a 20-year agreement. Construction of the $780 million venue, now called Etihad Park, is slated to begin by the end of the year. The club plans to open the 25,000-seat stadium ahead of the 2027 MLS season.
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“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,” Brad Sims, the team’s CEO, said in a statement. “Etihad Airways has been alongside us every step of the way and we’re thrilled to be making this announcement with them.”
Etihad Airways is a founding partner of the franchise, which was formally launched in 2013 as the city’s team. (MLS’ founding franchise in the region, the New York Red Bulls—nee, NY/NJ MetroStars—have always played in New Jersey.) The airline has been NYCFC’s kit sponsor throughout its entire existence, and the partners have funded various soccer-related community initiatives in the five boroughs.
NYCFC is co-owned by City Football Group, owners of several clubs worldwide including English Premier League powerhouse Manchester City, whose home venue is known as Etihad Stadium.
The New York agreement was brokered between the two partners without an outside agency. However, NYCFC has been working with Klutch Sports Group for stadium sponsorships and Legends for premium hospitality sales.
Until 2024, the stadium was a fever dream for NYCFC as it spoke with local officials about developing the venue in various locations throughout the city. The club has played most of its home games at Yankee Stadium and has split its schedule between The Bronx and the Mets’ Citi Field in Queens in recent years. The club has also played “home” games in New Jersey, Connecticut and Los Angeles.
Etihad Park was finally approved to be built next door to Citi Field this past April as the centerpiece for a long-awaited redevelopment of Willets Point. The industrial neighborhood has been home to the Mets and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center (site of the U.S. Open) for decades but developed a notorious reputation for undeveloped lots and “chop shops.” A 650-seat public school, a hotel and around 2,500 units of affordable housing are also planned to be built as part of the stadium district.
NYCFC ranks fifth in Sportico’s MLS franchise valuations at $840 million. The club took in $68 million in revenue in 2023 while splitting games between its primary home at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field. On Saturday, NYCFC will host the Red Bulls at Citi Field, the first time the regional rivals have faced each other in the league’s playoffs.
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