New York City FC Secures Etihad Airways as Naming Rights Partner for Stadium

New York City FC (NYCFC) and Etihad Airways have announced a 20-year agreement granting the airline exclusive naming rights for New York City’s first-ever soccer-specific stadium, now officially named Etihad Park. Situated in Willets Point, Queens, the stadium will be 100% privately financed, seat approximately 25,000 people, and is expected to open ahead of the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the partnership between NYCFC and Etihad Airways, which began in 2014 when the airline became a founding and principal partner of the club.

The partnership has expanded over the years to include support for NYCFC’s community initiatives, such as the New York City Soccer Initiative (NYCSI). Launched in 2016, the $3 million project has developed 50 mini-pitches across the city, offering free soccer programming and fostering community engagement. With plans to build an additional 26 pitches before the FIFA World Cup 2026™, the initiative highlights the shared values between NYCFC and Etihad Airways in promoting grassroots soccer and community development. NYCFC CEO Brad Sims called Etihad Park a “cathedral of soccer” and expressed pride in how the stadium will symbolise the club’s investment in New York City.

Etihad Park is also set to play a central role in the broader Willets Point redevelopment project, a 23-acre transformation featuring 2,500 affordable housing units, a 650-seat public school, a hotel, and over 150,000 square feet of open public space. This redevelopment is projected to generate $6.1 billion in economic activity, create 1,550 permanent jobs, and provide 14,200 construction jobs. As part of its sustainable design, the stadium will become the first fully electric sports venue in New York City and MLS, further aligning with the city’s vision for innovative infrastructure.

Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves described the agreement as a testament to the airline’s commitment to NYCFC and its community. Over the past decade, the partnership has delivered not only exceptional fan experiences but also tangible social impact through initiatives like the NYCSI. The airline’s connection with the club extends beyond the stadium, contributing to NYCFC’s nonprofit foundation, City in the Community (CITC), and creating opportunities for youth engagement through soccer.

Etihad Park’s design aims to reflect New York City’s iconic green spaces, fostering a sense of community and serving as a hub for sports, concerts, festivals, and other events. The collaboration between NYCFC, Etihad Airways, and City Football Group demonstrates a shared vision of elevating soccer in New York while investing in the city’s future. As the inaugural season approaches, the stadium is set to become a landmark destination, combining sport, sustainability, and community engagement to leave a lasting legacy.

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