Etihad Airways Secures 20-Year Naming Rights for NYCFC’s New Stadium
New York City Football Club (NYCFC) is set to make a monumental leap in its history as it prepares to unveil a cutting-edge stadium in Queens, New York, ahead of the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season. The highly anticipated venue will be named Etihad Park as part of a groundbreaking 20-year naming rights agreement with Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national airline. This historic deal, announced in a joint press release, marks a significant milestone for NYCFC, reflecting its ambitions to solidify its standing as a global soccer powerhouse while contributing to the growth of its local community.
“This is the most important commercial agreement in the history of the club,” said NYCFC Chief Executive Officer Brad Sims in an exclusive interview with CNBC. The agreement not only deepens the club’s long-term partnership with Etihad Airways but also sets the stage for the team to enhance its financial and cultural footprint in the region.
Etihad Park: A New Era for NYCFC
The opening of Etihad Park represents a transformative moment for NYCFC, which has spent years playing home matches at Yankee Stadium and Citi Field—venues primarily designed for baseball. The new stadium will offer a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to soccer, elevating the fan experience and providing NYCFC with a true home for the first time in its history.
While the financial details of the naming rights deal remain undisclosed, Sims emphasized its importance as a cornerstone of NYCFC’s commercial strategy. “This deal is not just about the name on the building—it’s about creating a space that represents the ethos of NYCFC and our partners while serving as a hub for sports, entertainment, and community engagement,” he said.
A Multi-Purpose Vision
Etihad Park is more than just a sports venue—it’s a cornerstone of a broader public-private development project that aims to revitalize the Queens area. The development will include 2,500 affordable housing units, a new public school, retail spaces, and other community-focused amenities. This holistic approach ensures that the stadium is integrated into the surrounding community, benefiting both residents and visitors.
Sims highlighted the importance of making Etihad Park a year-round destination. “It’s not enough to have a stadium that’s only active 17 times a year during home games,” he said. “We’re designing a space that can host concerts, festivals, and other events to ensure it remains a vibrant part of the community.”
The stadium’s multi-use focus is in line with global trends in sports infrastructure. According to Deloitte, more than 300 sports venues are projected to be built or renovated worldwide by 2025, with an increasing emphasis on mixed-use facilities. Pete Giorgio, a principal at Deloitte, explained that stadiums can serve as anchors for broader economic and social activity. “Having a venue like Etihad Park creates opportunities for local businesses, builds community connections, and generates buzz that extends far beyond the games themselves,” Giorgio said.
Why "Etihad Park"?
The decision to name the venue Etihad Park—rather than the more traditional “stadium” or “arena”—was intentional. According to Sims, the name pays homage to New York City’s iconic green spaces, such as Central Park and Prospect Park, evoking a sense of openness and community.
“We wanted a name that reflects the character of New York City while differentiating this venue from other stadiums,” Sims explained. “Etihad Park feels more connected to the city’s identity and its tradition of vibrant, inclusive spaces.”
The partnership with Etihad Airways also reflects shared values between the airline and NYCFC, including a focus on innovation, cultural connection, and global reach. Since their collaboration began in 2014, Etihad Airways has been a key sponsor for NYCFC, prominently featured on the team’s jerseys and as a visible supporter of the club’s growth.
“This is a landmark moment for both NYCFC and Etihad Airways,” Sims said. “It reflects our shared commitment to excellence and to creating experiences that bring people together.”
Queens: A Vibrant New Home
The choice of Queens as the location for NYCFC’s new stadium is strategic. Known as one of the most diverse communities in the world, Queens offers a rich cultural tapestry that aligns with NYCFC’s ethos of inclusion and global reach. The stadium will serve as a community hub, providing opportunities for local residents to engage with the team while also attracting visitors from across the region.
Etihad Park’s location also ensures accessibility for fans, with robust public transportation options that connect Queens to the rest of New York City. This accessibility is expected to boost attendance not only for MLS games but also for the other events hosted at the venue.
“We want this to be more than just a stadium—we want it to be a destination,” Sims said. “Whether you’re coming for a game, a concert, or just to explore the surrounding development, we want everyone to feel like they’re part of something special.”
The Business Impact of Etihad Park
From a business perspective, the naming rights deal with Etihad Airways is a critical component of NYCFC’s long-term strategy. As MLS continues to grow in popularity—both domestically and internationally—the stadium positions NYCFC to capitalize on the league’s expanding footprint.
Etihad Park will open up lucrative new revenue streams, including partnerships, sponsorships, and non-soccer events. The ability to host concerts and festivals adds a layer of financial sustainability, ensuring that the venue remains profitable even during the MLS off-season.
For Etihad Airways, the partnership offers a unique branding opportunity in one of the world’s largest and most influential markets. The airline’s name will be prominently displayed on a global stage, reinforcing its reputation as a premium brand while deepening its connection to the U.S. market.
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A Global Trend in Stadium Design
Etihad Park reflects a broader trend in stadium design that prioritizes multi-use functionality and community integration. According to Deloitte’s projections, the next generation of sports venues will focus on creating immersive, mixed-use spaces that combine sports with retail, dining, and entertainment options.
“Stadiums are no longer just places to watch a game—they’re catalysts for economic and social activity,” said Giorgio. “The most successful venues are those that think beyond the game day experience to create year-round value for their communities.”
This philosophy is at the heart of Etihad Park’s design. By integrating the stadium into a larger development that includes housing, schools, and retail, NYCFC is ensuring that the venue contributes to the long-term vibrancy of Queens.
A Bright Future for NYCFC
As NYCFC prepares to open Etihad Park, the club is entering a new chapter in its history. The combination of a world-class stadium, a growing fan base, and a visionary leadership team positions NYCFC as a model for other MLS clubs and a beacon for soccer’s growth in the U.S.
“This is more than just a stadium—it’s a statement about who we are and where we’re going,” Sims said. “Etihad Park will be a place where fans, players, and the community come together to celebrate the beautiful game and everything it represents.”
With its innovative design, strategic location, and multi-purpose functionality, Etihad Park is poised to become a landmark in New York City and a symbol of the future of sports entertainment.
